Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum: Dubai’s Modern Crown Prince
From military training and world-class endurance riding to government leadership, Sheikh Hamdan has built a public life centred on service, innovation and Dubai’s future.
Introduction
Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum is the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and UAE Minister of Defence. He is also the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
Born on 14 November 1982, Sheikh Hamdan is 43 years old as of July 2026. He is the son of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum.
Outside government, he is widely known as Fazza, the name he uses for his Nabati poetry. He is also an accomplished endurance horse rider, photographer and supporter of youth, sport, culture and technology.
Quick Answer
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the Crown Prince of Dubai and one of the UAE’s most visible modern leaders.
He became Crown Prince in 2008 and was appointed UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence in July 2024.
His work focuses on government services, defence readiness, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, economic growth and improving life in Dubai. He is also internationally recognised for winning the endurance world championship in 2014.
Hamdan bin Mohammed Quick Profile
| Detail | Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum |
| Arabic name | حمدان بن محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم |
| Date of birth | 14 November 1982 |
| Age | 43, as of July 2026 |
| Birthplace | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Nationality | Emirati |
| Father | Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum |
| Mother | Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum |
| Current position | Crown Prince of Dubai |
| Federal positions | UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence |
| Dubai position | Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai |
| Education | Rashid Private School and Royal Military Academy Sandhurst |
| Pen name | Fazza |
| Known for | Government leadership, endurance riding and poetry |
| Children | Rashid, Shaikha, Mohammed and Hind |
Who Is Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum?
Sheikh Hamdan is a senior Emirati royal and public leader from Dubai’s Al Maktoum ruling family.
He grew up close to the government decision-making process. His father regularly involved him in meetings, official visits and discussions about Dubai’s development.
Sheikh Hamdan’s current responsibilities cover both Dubai and the wider UAE. In Dubai, he helps guide government strategy through The Executive Council. At the federal level, he serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
His leadership is closely connected with Dubai’s wider business and development story. Important figures such as Mohamed Alabbar have helped shape the city’s private sector, while Sheikh Hamdan’s role focuses on public policy, future planning and government performance.
Early Life and Family Background
Hamdan bin Mohammed was born in Dubai on 14 November 1982.
He is the second son of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum. He belongs to the Al Bu Falasah branch of the Bani Yas, the family line associated with Dubai’s Al Maktoum dynasty.
He was raised during an important period in Dubai’s history. The city was rapidly developing into an international centre for trade, property, tourism, aviation and finance.
His childhood therefore combined royal family traditions with direct exposure to modern government and national development.
According to the official Sheikh Hamdan profile, his father became his most important teacher and leadership mentor.
Education and Military Training
Sheikh Hamdan received his elementary education at Rashid Private School in Dubai.
He later travelled to the United Kingdom and attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He graduated from Sandhurst in 2001.
Military education taught him about discipline, punctuality, responsibility, teamwork and leadership under pressure.
He also attended specialised economics training programmes connected with the London School of Economics and the Dubai School of Government.
These were professional training programmes rather than a publicly confirmed university degree from the London School of Economics.
His education combined three important areas:
- Military discipline and national service
- Economics and government planning
- Practical leadership experience under his father
These skills later became important when he began leading government programmes and defence policy.
When Did Sheikh Hamdan Become Crown Prince?
Sheikh Hamdan became Crown Prince of Dubai on 1 February 2008.
The appointment placed him next in the line of leadership for the emirate and expanded his responsibilities across Dubai’s government.
As Crown Prince, he has helped supervise policies relating to the economy, public services, infrastructure, education, technology, health, youth and quality of life.
His work often involves other senior UAE leaders. Reem Al Hashimy, for example, has played a major role in Expo 2020 Dubai, international cooperation and Expo City Dubai.
UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence
On 14 July 2024, Sheikh Hamdan was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Defence during a federal Cabinet reshuffle.
The appointment gave him responsibility at the national level while he continued serving as Dubai’s Crown Prince.
A Reuters report about the UAE Cabinet reshuffle confirmed both appointments.
As Minister of Defence, Sheikh Hamdan chairs Defence Council meetings and reviews military readiness, training, technology and long-term strategic planning.
His defence role is one of the clearest signs that his responsibilities now extend far beyond Dubai.
Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai
Sheikh Hamdan serves as Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
The council helps plan and supervise the work of government departments across the emirate. Its responsibilities include economic strategy, public services, education, health, transport, infrastructure and community development.
Sheikh Hamdan frequently asks government departments to simplify services, use new technology and measure success through real improvements in people’s lives.
His approach is part of a wider culture of UAE public leadership that also includes figures such as Noura Al Kaabi, who has worked across government, culture and international diplomacy.
Economic Development and Business Strategy
Sheikh Hamdan’s government work has a strong connection with business growth.
His public priorities include:
- Attracting international companies and skilled workers
- Supporting small and medium-sized businesses
- Improving government fees and services
- Strengthening tourism, construction and property
- Expanding trade and logistics
- Encouraging technology and creative industries
- Making Dubai easier for investors and entrepreneurs
These priorities show that Sheikh Hamdan’s role is not limited to royal ceremonies.
He is directly involved in policies that affect businesses, workers, investors, residents and visitors.
His leadership supports Dubai’s goal of remaining one of the world’s strongest centres for trade, tourism, finance and innovation.
Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Dubai’s Future
Sheikh Hamdan regularly supports artificial intelligence, advanced technology and digital government.
He has backed programmes designed to make government services faster, simpler and more connected.
Dubai’s technology plans include the use of artificial intelligence, smart infrastructure, digital platforms and data-based decision-making.
A digital twin, for example, is a virtual model of a real city. It can help planners study buildings, roads, infrastructure, weather risks and future development before making major decisions.
Sheikh Hamdan’s interest in science and future skills fits the UAE’s wider investment in space and advanced research.
Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi represents another important part of this national focus on technology, science and human development.
Why Is Sheikh Hamdan Called Fazza?
Fazza is Sheikh Hamdan’s poetic pen name.
In the Emirati dialect, the word describes a person who quickly comes forward to help and support someone in need.
Sheikh Hamdan writes Nabati poetry, a traditional poetic form from the Arabian Peninsula.
His poems commonly explore:
- Family
- Loyalty
- National pride
- Human emotions
- Friendship
- Personal values
- Social experiences
Some of his poems have also been turned into songs.
He has described poetry as part of his identity and a way to share hope and happiness with other people.
Photography and Creative Work
Photography is another important part of Sheikh Hamdan’s public life.
He established the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award, widely known as HIPA.
The award was created in Dubai to encourage photography, support creative talent and give photographers from different countries a global platform.
HIPA has developed into an internationally recognised photography competition.
Its themes have included family, power, sustainability, diversity, nature, humanity, water and hope.
Through HIPA, Sheikh Hamdan has supported both experienced photographers and young creative talent.
Endurance Riding Career
Sheikh Hamdan has been interested in horses since childhood.
He later became an international endurance rider representing the UAE.
Endurance racing tests a horse and rider over long distances. Fitness, preparation, navigation, planning and animal care are all extremely important.
His greatest individual sporting achievement came at the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France.
Riding a mare named Yamamah, Sheikh Hamdan led the endurance competition and won the individual gold medal.
His other publicly recorded achievements include medals and victories at Asian, European, Arab and world endurance events.
Sport has also influenced his leadership style by teaching him patience, preparation, discipline and perseverance.
Personal Life and Children
Sheikh Hamdan married Sheikha Shaikha bint Saeed bin Thani Al Maktoum in 2019.
They have four children:
- Sheikh Rashid, born in May 2021
- Sheikha Shaikha, born in May 2021
- Sheikh Mohammed, born in February 2023
- Sheikha Hind, born in March 2025
Sheikh Rashid and Sheikha Shaikha are twins.
His youngest daughter was named Hind, sharing the name of Sheikh Hamdan’s mother, Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum.
He occasionally shares family moments on social media but keeps many parts of his children’s lives away from public attention.
Charity and Humanitarian Work
Sheikh Hamdan supports humanitarian, health and community projects in the UAE and internationally.
His public work has included support for programmes connected with:
- Housing
- Healthcare
- Education
- Food assistance
- Children’s welfare
- Community development
- Volunteer work
- Humanitarian aid
One of his major initiatives is Rashid Villages, a charitable programme launched in memory of his late brother, Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed.
The programme aims to help disadvantaged families by providing housing, education, healthcare and social services.
His public-service role can be compared with other UAE rulers, including Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, whose long leadership has focused on the development of Fujairah.
Public Image and Social Media
Sheikh Hamdan is one of the best-known UAE leaders on social media.
His official Instagram username is @faz3, while his X account uses @HamdanMohammed.
His content commonly includes:
- Official government meetings
- Dubai development projects
- Horse riding
- Animals
- Photography
- Family moments
- Travel
- Fitness
- Outdoor adventures
- National celebrations
This combination gives international followers a view of both his government responsibilities and personal interests.
However, his main public importance comes from his official leadership positions rather than his online popularity.
7 Interesting Facts About Hamdan bin Mohammed
- He graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2001.
- He became Crown Prince of Dubai on 1 February 2008.
- Fazza is his Nabati poetry pen name.
- The name Fazza describes someone who helps people in need.
- He won individual endurance gold at the 2014 World Equestrian Games.
- He founded the international HIPA photography award.
- He became UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence in July 2024.
Why Is Hamdan bin Mohammed Important?
Sheikh Hamdan is important because he connects Dubai’s established leadership system with a new period of technology, digital services and economic change.
He has major responsibilities in local government, federal leadership and national defence.
His decisions and policies can affect businesses, government departments, investors, residents and visitors.
His sporting and creative interests have also helped him communicate with younger audiences around the world.
The clearest way to understand his public role is that he is helping prepare Dubai for its next stage while working within the wider vision established by his father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum?
Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum is the Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Deputy Prime Minister, UAE Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
How old is Sheikh Hamdan?
He was born on 14 November 1982 and is 43 years old as of July 2026.
Why is Sheikh Hamdan called Fazza?
Fazza is his poetry name. In the Emirati dialect, it describes someone who quickly helps and supports other people.
Where did Sheikh Hamdan study?
He studied at Rashid Private School in Dubai and graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.
When did Sheikh Hamdan become Crown Prince?
He became Crown Prince of Dubai on 1 February 2008.
Is Sheikh Hamdan a professional horse rider?
He is an accomplished international endurance rider and won individual gold at the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games.
How many children does Sheikh Hamdan have?
He has four children: Rashid, Shaikha, Mohammed and Hind.
What government positions does he hold?
As of July 2026, he is Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Deputy Prime Minister, UAE Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
What does Fazza mean?
Fazza refers to a person who quickly comes forward to help someone who needs support.
What is Sheikh Hamdan famous for?
He is famous for his Dubai leadership, UAE government roles, endurance riding, Nabati poetry, photography and strong social-media presence.
Conclusion
Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum has built a public identity that combines royal responsibility, military discipline, government leadership, sport and creativity.
His work covers some of the UAE’s most important areas, including defence, economic development, artificial intelligence, public services and Dubai’s long-term future.
He is also known internationally as Fazza, an endurance world champion and a supporter of poetry and photography.
His public journey is still developing, but his direction is clear: preparing Dubai and the UAE for future opportunities while maintaining a strong connection with national values, public service and the people he represents.
