As Dubai celebrates the birthday of Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum—Fazza—it’s clear why he remains one of the world’s most admired modern royals. Beyond being Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and UAE Minister of Defence, he embodies many “avatars”: the athlete, the poet, the adventurer, the photographer, the humanitarian, and the devoted family man. His active lifestyle, creative expression, approachable personality, and genuine engagement with the public make him feel both relatable and iconic. With every post, poem, skydive, and community initiative, Fazza continues to inspire millions, turning his birthday into a celebration shared across the UAE and beyond.
Early life, education and the making of a modern crown prince
Sheikh Hamdan was born on 14 November 1982 in Dubai into a household where leadership, service and public life were woven into everyday reality. He is the second son of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, “He is the son of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum.” His upbringing was rooted in tradition but shaped by an environment that encouraged responsibility, curiosity and discipline. He attended Rashid School for Boys in Dubai, where the foundations of his leadership style emerged early, teachers often described him as observant, disciplined and highly motivated. Later, he studied at Sandhurst Military Academy in the UK, graduating in 2001. Sandhurst played a defining role in shaping his mindset: he has often spoken about how the physical rigour, early-morning drills and emphasis on teamwork helped build resilience and sharpen his focus. Following Sandhurst, he pursued further studies at the London School of Economics, exploring economics and governance from a global perspective, training that would later influence how he approached his responsibilities back home. Despite this structured path, what makes Sheikh Hamdan’s story stand out is how seamlessly he has balanced the demands of royalty with the instincts of a person who enjoys living fully and openly. He has always been candid about his interests, especially in poetry, nature and adventure, making him relatable in a way few royals are.
Adventures, hobbies and the public image of the “Ideal Dubai Prince”
Sheikh Hamdan’s hobbies are central to why he has become such an adored figure, both in Dubai and globally. His Instagram, with tens of millions of followers, does not operate like a typical royal feed. Instead of staged photos, he shares moments that showcase spontaneity, curiosity and an eagerness to explore the world firsthand.
A prince who lives life outdoors
He is an accomplished skydiver, scuba diver, mountain climber and traveller, known for climbing mountains in the UK, trekking across glaciers and participating in outdoor expeditions around the world. His daring spirit is balanced by a deep appreciation for wildlife and conservation, traits often visible through his photography.
A passion for photography and storytelling
Photography is one of his most prominent passions. His pictures of wildlife, landscapes, sunsets and the everyday rhythm of Dubai are shared widely. He has documented encounters with elephants, safaris, underwater environments and global travel moments, consistently opting for authenticity over staged glamour.
His Equine world and endurance riding
Sheikh Hamdan is also a world-class equestrian. He has competed in numerous endurance races and won prestigious titles, including gold at the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games. Horses are central to his identity, he often speaks about the discipline they teach and their significance in Emirati culture.
Commitment to health and community well-being
He is a major advocate for fitness in Dubai. He played a leading role in launching the Dubai Fitness Challenge, an annual citywide initiative encouraging residents to commit to 30 minutes of exercise for 30 days. Under his patronage, the challenge has grown into a global-scale movement featuring thousands of free classes, mass events and citywide participation. His focus on well-being extends beyond campaigns. He frequently participates in public runs, cycling events, gym sessions and outdoor community activities. This hands-on involvement reinforces the idea of a leader who leads by example, never distant, always accessible.
A public figure known for thoughtful gestures
Generosity forms another recognised part of his character. Earlier this year, in June, he visited La Maison Ani in Dubai Mall with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He paid the bill for all diners, estimated between AED 25,000 and 30,000 (USD 6,800–8,200). Guests described the encounter as warm and unexpected, and the restaurant noted that hosting both Crown Princes had been an honour.
Why people call him the “Ideal prince”
The combination of athleticism, public accessibility, creative expression, humour and genuine engagement with ordinary people has shaped his reputation. Whether he’s taking the Metro unexpectedly, visiting newborn babies at hospitals, stopping to chat with delivery drivers or rescuing animals during floods, he consistently projects a sense of groundedness.
Family, poetry and a life of distinctive passions
Sheikh Hamdan married Sheikha Sheikha bint Saeed bin Thani Al Maktoum in 2019. Together, they have four children: twins Rashid and Sheikha, born in May 2021; Mohammed, born in February 2023; and Hind, born in March 2025. The name Hind was chosen as a heartfelt tribute to his mother, Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum, and carries meanings of strength and prosperity in Arabic. Sheikh Hamdan shared the news on Instagram, writing, “Alhamdulillah, we are blessed with daughter Hind,” capturing both gratitude and family pride. His posts often show warm, playful moments with his children, giving followers a glimpse of fatherhood that is personal, unguarded and approachable.
The poet known as “Fazza”
Beyond family life, Sheikh Hamdan expresses himself through poetry. Writing under the pen name “Fazza”, a nickname he adopted in his teenage years, he embraces the Nabati style of Arabic poetry. His poems often reflect his love for horses, nature, loyalty and cultural heritage. In 2019, he published For the Love of Horses, an 18-poem bilingual collection that blends Arabic and English verses, marrying his passion for equestrian life with his creative expression. This creative side allows him to connect with followers and admirers on a cultural and emotional level, showing a depth beyond his public roles.
Homes, assets and a passionate lifestyle
Sheikh Hamdan’s lifestyle reflects both luxury and practicality. He resides in Zabeel Palace, one of the world’s most expensive royal homes, known for its sprawling grounds and private zoo housing lions, tigers, gorillas and other exotic animals. His other properties include desert retreats and overseas homes, designed for privacy, family life and outdoor pursuits. He is also known for a remarkable collection of vehicles, including Ferraris, Lamborghinis and even a Golden Mercedes, alongside off-road vehicles for desert exploration. Beyond cars, he owns superyachts and private planes, including a Boeing 747, reflecting both his love of travel and his penchant for collecting extraordinary machines. Sheikh Hamdan maintains a strong social media presence, with 16.8 million Instagram followers, where he shares glimpses of his life, from horse riding and poetry to his daily adventures and family moments.
A life rooted in nature and adventure
Sheikh Hamdan’s love for animals extends beyond horses and camels, he owns over 1,000 horses and 120 camels, reflecting his deep connection to equestrian tradition and Emirati heritage. His properties are designed to accommodate this lifestyle, blending luxury, outdoor space, and nature. Even the most extravagant elements of his life are tempered by a respect for tradition, discipline and personal engagement, showing a balance between royal status and a grounded, hands-on approach to living.
A modern royal for a modern city
Sheikh Hamdan’s popularity comes from a rare blend of responsibility, creativity, humility and adventure. He is at once the Crown Prince, the athlete, the poet, the community motivator, the traveller, the photographer and the devoted family man. In many ways, people view him as the face of modern Dubai: ambitious, culturally grounded, outward-looking and full of energy.
