The Dubai Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has already established his reputation as a leader. He clearly shows ample leadership characteristics flavored with the qualities of modesty, simplicity and generosity. In this aspect, Sheikh Hamdan is following in the footsteps of his father, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He is always keen to meet the people without any restrictions or barriers. He always works to solve their problems and follow-up their matters.
Besides, the various sports that Sheikh Hamdan practices - especially equine sports - have equipped him with qualities of patience and perseverance.
Despite his serious responsibilities, he is present with them in their joys and sorrows. It is quite common to see Sheikh Hamdan driving his car down the streets of Dubai, eating in restaurants or chatting with people. Sheikh Hamdan has been influenced by several factors that have shaped his personality and crystallized his vision. The military lifestyle in Sandhurst taught him discipline and punctuality. About this experience he said: “What you learn in prominent military academies like Sandhurst revolves around the values of discipline, responsibility and commitment.These values are practically essential to carry out your responsibilities competently.”
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was born and grew up in an era when the United Arab Emirates was striding swiftly on the path of rapid development and growth. He lived through - and with - the challenges and quality leaps that the country accomplished. He acquired invaluable experience in various field since his early days as he was constantly near the decision-making centers of Dubai and the UAE. Sheikh Hamdan is the descendant of His Highness Late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the founder of modern Dubai. He is the son of the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the visionary and leader who has established Dubai in the international community as the brightest rising star and a leading global business hub - in addition to his invaluable contributions to the spectacular development boom of the UAE under the wise leadership of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan..
After his graduation from the world-renowned Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst in the UK in 2001, and after attending several specialized training courses in economy from London School of Economics and Dubai School of Government, Sheikh Hamdan built on his theoretical education by acquiring the practical skills of leadership and public administration from his father H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Sheikh Hamdan has witnessed his father, from the time when the latter was the Crown Prince of Dubai to date, implementing his ambitious developmental vision. He has always been keen to attend his father’s court (majlis) and learn from it. He continues to constantly accompany H.H. Sheikh Mohammed inside and outside the country which further hones and polishes his talents and skills.
After H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum assumed his dual position as the Ruler of Dubai and the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE in 2006, the responsibilities and duties of Sheikh Hamdan expanded. His father engaged him steadily in the decision-making process and progressively assigned to him more tasks and responsibilities.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum assumed the post of Crown Prince in Dubai on February 1, 2008. He has become more inclusive in fulfilling Sheikh Mohammed's vision by taking charge of the emirate's key portfolios.
Over the years, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, continued to work closely with his father, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and acquired the qualities of the leader and his strategic vision and acquired a lot of capabilities and leadership qualities that established Hamdan Ben Mohammed as future leader.
The environment in which Sheikh Hamdan was raised played a role in directing his senses to realize the endless beauty the desert has to offer as an enduring witness to the greatness of the Creator. This ambience of harmony helped shape and hone the poet within Sheikh Hamdan. Fazza, whose father His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is an acclaimed Nabati poet himself, has been presented with the opportunity to make the acquaintance of many poets. Sheikh Mohammed encouraged Fazza, listened to his first attempts to compose poetry and guided him with his expertise and his elevated sense of art. Poetry to Sheikh Hamdan - or Fazza - is an expression of character.
In his own words, he describes poetry as: “My identity and poetic character through which I humbly attempt to rekindle joy in the hearts of people, alleviate their suffering in my own simple way. I express their hopes and aspirations.”
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed has a number of published poems some of which are now famous songs.
Some of his most distinguished achievements on the Arab level are:
Sheikh Hamdan’s major international achievements:
