Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister, has welcomed his fourth child, a baby girl named Maryam, in the latest addition to Dubai’s growing royal family this year.The announcement was made by his brother, Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, who shared an Instagram story with a simple congratulatory message: “Congratulations Maryam Bint Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.” While official statements have not revealed further birth details, the announcement has prompted widespread congratulations across the Emirates.Maryam is Sheikh Maktoum’s fourth daughter. His children include:
- Princess Hind bint Maktoum, born November 24, 2020
- Princess Latifa bint Maktoum, born January 11, 2022
- Princess Shaikha bint Maktoum, born January 25, 2023
- Princess Maryam bint Maktoum, born July 2025
Their names reflect deep familial and cultural significance, each chosen to honour the legacy of Dubai’s ruling lineage.
A year of royal births in the UAE
This year has seen a notable wave of royal births across the Emirates. In March, Sheikh Hamdan welcomed his own fourth child, a daughter named Hind, expanding his family to four children. His older children include twins Rashid and Sheikha, born in 2021, and son Mohammed, born in 2023.Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also became a father this year to a son, Sheikh Zayed bin Khaled bin Mohammed, named in honour of the UAE’s founding father.These arrivals have been celebrated widely online and within Emirati society, highlighting the interconnectedness and continuity of leadership across the federation.
The significance of royal births
Royal births in the UAE are viewed not just as personal milestones but as events that attract public attention and media coverage. Traditionally marked with prayers at major mosques and congratulatory messages from leaders across the Gulf, each new addition is welcomed within the context of cultural traditions and national pride.Sheikh Maktoum, as Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister, plays a central role in the emirate’s administration. His growing family remains a subject of public interest, reflecting the Al Maktoum dynasty’s longstanding presence in Dubai’s political, economic, and social spheres.Similarly, the Al Nahyan family in Abu Dhabi continues to expand its lineage, maintaining its leadership role as the UAE navigates regional complexities and global ambitions.
Looking ahead
With multiple royal births this year, the Emirates’ ruling families continue to expand, marking personal milestones that attract public interest across the country. While these births are celebrated within their communities, they also draw attention to the close ties among the Gulf’s ruling dynasties.For now, the focus remains on the newest member of Sheikh Maktoum’s family. Baby Maryam joins her three sisters — Hind, Latifa, and Shaikha, in Dubai’s royal household, as well-wishers across the UAE extend their congratulations to the family during this period of quiet celebration.
