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14 facts about Sheikh Hamdan to celebrate 14 years as Crown Prince of Dubai

Published

2 years ago

14 facts about Sheikh Hamdan to celebrate 14 years as Crown Prince of Dubai

February 1 marks the anniversary of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed becoming Crown Prince of Dubai. In his 14 years in the role, Sheikh Hamdan has become a much-loved figure across the UAE and around the world. To celebrate his 14 years as Crown Prince, here are 14 things you need to know about him:

1. Why we call him Fazza
Like his father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan writes poetry, which he sometimes shares online.

Fazza means “a person who speeds to the help and support of others”. From the Emirati dialect, it’s a term often used in Nabati poetry, which is a common art form in the UAE.

2. He is at home in the great outdoors
Whether it be skydiving, jet-skiing, hiking, snowboarding or zip-lining, Dubai’s Crown Prince is a verified action man. His adventures are often shared on his Instagram page.

3. He studied at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
More than 200 Emiratis have studied at the British military school, including his father, Sheikh Mohammed.

Over the years, Sheikh Hamdan has shared photos from his time at Sandhurst, which he attended after studying at Rashid School For Boys.

4. He is a keen fisherman
The UAE royal often shares photos of himself free-diving and deep-sea fishing.

5. He is a real animal lover
Sheikh Hamdan seems to have a natural affinity with animals – from dogs and falcons to giraffes and baby deer. He has even gone with a group of UAE conservationists to assist in trimming a giraffe’s hooves.

6. He is particularly passionate about horses
Although many animals are posted on Sheikh Hamdan’s Instagram, horses seem to be a favourite. The royal has ridden horses since childhood, taking part in endurance racing on horseback. He also owns race horses.

7. He is very fitness-focused
Sheikh Hamdan is on a mission to make the UAE a healthier place.

Through the Dubai Fitness Challenge, he encourages residents of the emirate to workout for 30 minutes a day for 30 consecutive days.

8. He is a real family man

Barely a month goes by without a photo of one of his nieces or nephews popping up on his Instagram. The posts often include a heart emoji, or an “I miss you” message to his young family members.

9. He is a new father
In 2021, Sheikh Hamdan became a first-time father – to twins. The Crown Prince and his wife, Sheikha Sheikha bint Saeed, welcomed a boy and a girl, Rashid and Sheikha, in May.

10. He’s certainly not afraid of heights
Over the years, Sheikh Hamdan has cemented his reputation as an adrenalin-lover.

But perhaps his scariest exploit was in December, when he climbed to the top of Burj Khalifa, filming himself harnessed on the spire of the world’s tallest building.

11. He has many celebrity friends
From training with Cristiano Ronaldo to hanging out with UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, Sheikh Hamdan spends time with more than a few A-list celebrities who have become his friends.

12. He loves photography
For a man who goes on as many adventures as Sheikh Hamdan, it’s only natural that an interest in photography should follow.

13. He is keeping the art of falconry alive across the UAE
Only 15 kilometres inland from Jumeirah Beach, Sheikh Hamdan has a private falconry centre the size of an aircraft hangar.

14. He’s passionate about the environment
Much like his love for animals, he has also shown his support for many environmental causes over the years.

Most recently, he joined Dubai’s Jumeirah Group in its conservation work, releasing turtle hatchlings back into the ocean.