Sheikh Hamdan Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Career & Net Worth 2026

Crown Prince of Dubai and one of the most well-known public personalities in the UAE, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, popularly known as Fazza, is the son of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He currently holds the position of the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence in addition to being the country’s leader. Sheikh Hamdan’s commitment to poetry, horsemanship, photography, and adventurous pursuits has made him a popular figure worldwide, leveraging his public service and active engagement in social media. This Sheikh Hamdan biography gives brief information about his age, family, education, career, achievements, and personal life.

Quick Overview

Who Is Sheikh Hamdan?

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum is an Emirati politician, royal, and Crown Prince of Dubai since 1 February 2008. Later, he was also sworn in as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE in July 2024, adding to his federal duties.

He is a member of the Al Bu Falasah family, a royal family that has ruled Dubai for generations, from the Bani Yas tribe. He is the son of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai since 2006.

Sheikh Hamdan is a name that’s known to all who have been in Dubai, and he is known to travel without any fancy security barriers. There have been sightings of him at local restaurants and at public events. He is also a prolific user of social media, where he posts his poetry, sports, and photography content to a worldwide following. 

Where was Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Born?

Sheikh Hamdan was born in Dubai, UAE, on 14th November 1982. The second son of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his senior wife, Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum. He was raised in Dubai’s Zabeel Palace with eleven half-sisters and brothers.

He was survived by his older full brother,r who died in 2015, Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed has become the UAE Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, his younger brother. In April, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed was named an additional Deputy Ruler of Dubai, his younger brother.

Sheikh Hamdan was given private lessons in the Arabic language, Islamic teachings, and also in the old traditional games of the Emirates, such as hunting, falconry, and horsemanship, from an early age, which have been integral to his public image. 

Where Did Sheikh Hamdan Study?

Sheikh Hamdan’s early education was at Rashid School for Boys, Dubai. He then undertook military training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK, graduating in 2001, one of the world’s oldest military officer training academies.

After Sandhurst, he studied at the London School of Economics (LSE), where he studied Economics, and also attended the Dubai School of Government for learning in public Administration. A military-disciplined academic education with formal economic and governance training.

Sheikh Hamdan, in his own terms, about the academy of Sandhurst, has stated that it has taught the values of ‘discipline, responsibility and commitment’, which he mentioned while leading public affairs. 

When Did Sheikh Hamdan Become Crown Prince of Dubai?

In September 2006, Sheikh Hamdan was first named Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, the Government body that oversees the strategic development planning of Dubai. This was his first official step into the government executive.

He was officially made Crown Prince of Dubai by his father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on 1 February 2008.

On 14 July 2024, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, replacing his father, in the defence role since the UAE’s establishment in 1971.

What Are Sheikh Hamdan’s Official Roles and Responsibilities?

Sheikh Hamdan currently has the following confirmed official roles (as of 2026), according to Dubai Media Office and UAE government sources:

• Since 1 February 2008, he has been the Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, which is responsible for implementing Dubai’s strategic development plans.
• At the federal level in the UAE government, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE (since 14 July 2024).
• Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates, or UAE (since 14 July 2024), is the man in charge of the UAE’s defence affairs.

He is also the Founder of the Hamdan International Photography Award (established in 2011), an Executive Board Member of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Entrepreneurs, and a Member of the Dubai Sports Council and the Dubai Autism Centre. He has also created the Dubai Global initiative, which intends to open 50 commercial representative offices in Dubai around the world in June 2022. 

Who Is Fazza? What Does Sheikh Hamdan’s Pen Name Mean?

Sheikh Hamdan writes his poetry under the name of ‘Fazza’ (فزاع), which translates to ‘the one who helps’. His poems are written in the classical Arabic style known as “Nabati” Arabic, which is related to Bedouin oral poetry, and deal with subjects such as love, homeland, heritage,e and nature.

His poetry has been published in collections that were circulated throughout the Arab world and has been mentioned in the circles of Nabati poetry. He published a bilingual book in Arabic and English,r For the Love of Horses, in 2019, which has 18 poems. He posts new poetry, photography, and more on his social media accounts every day (on @faz3).

What Are Sheikh Hamdan’s Hobbies and Interests?

Sheikh Hamdan is known for his involvement in outdoor adventures and adventure sports. He is active in the equestrian, skydiving, scuba diving, and falconry communities. He also writes, is a photographer (founder of an international photography award), and regularly posts photographs on social media.

He is riding for Godolphin Stables, the world-renowned thoroughbred racing stable founded by his father, and has participated in world championships in equestrian endurance riding. He is known to have a private zoo and has a recorded interest in falconry, an Emirati tradition.

How Did Sheikh Hamdan Perform in Equestrian Sports?

Sheikh Hamdan’s records from the FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale) show the following international equestrian events that he has won:

• World Equestrian Games 2010: Bronze in Endurance riding.
• World Equestrian Games 2012: Team wins in Endurance Riding.
• 2014 World Equestrian Games (Normandy, France): Individual gold medal in endurance riding and team Gold Medal.

Sheikh Hamdan was banned by the FEI from competition in 2009 for having a horse test positive for a banned substance while competing. He took the hit and came back in the race following the ban. 

Who Is Sheikh Hamdan’s Wife?

On 15th May 2019, Sheikh Hamdan wed Sheikha Shaikha bint Saeed bin Thani Al Maktoum. The marriage took place in a private Islamic ceremony on the same day as the marriage of his brothers, Sheikh Maktoum and Sheikh Ahmed. A combined reception was organized at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 6 June 2019. 

How Many Children Does Sheikh Hamdan Have?

Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikha Shaikha have four children – confirmed by the Dubai Media Office and official announcements:

• Sheikh Rashid’s twin sister, Sheikha Shaikha, was born on 20th May 2021.
• Mohammed, Sheikh (2023), 25 February, born.
• The birthdate of Sheikha Hind is 22 March 2025.

Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Net Worth?

Official figures are unavailable from any authority or government regarding Sheikh Hamdan’s personal net worth. The estimates differ from one publication to another, and a lot of the Al Maktoum family fortune, apart from personal assets, is held by entities linked to the family and the State.

The financial estimates that are not verified are not published on dailysuae.com. To obtain accurate information, rely on official UAE government sources or verified and established financial reporting sources. 

Is Sheikh Hamdan Active on Social Media?

Sheikh Hamdan has official Instagram and X (Twitter) accounts @faz3. He has millions of followers across these platforms, from which he shares his poetry, his photography, his sporting activities, and public engagements.

It’s important to note that his follower count fluctuates daily, and users should look at his official accounts to discover the latest figures. In particular,r his Instagram is very well referenced when talking about his public actions.

Note: Sheikh Hamdan does not reach out to the public online or on social media requesting funds, gifts, or personal information. If someone makes an account doing this,s it is fraud. The only account that has been confirmed as official is @faz3. 

What Is Sheikh Hamdan’s Leadership Approach?

Sheikh Hamdan’s public image is of a leader who is visible and accessible. It is reported that he has visited community events, hospitals,s and government institutions in an informal manner, which follows the tradition of open engagement of the Al Maktoum family, and he is known to be in the city’s public spaces.

Dubai Executive Council activities have been in the field of infrastructure development, strategic planning,g and positioning Dubai as a world-class city. In the year he served as Crown Prince, his name has been documented in many initiatives, including the Dubai Global Initiative (2022) and his participation in the delegation for World Expo 2020. 

Final Thoughts

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum has some of the key official roles in the UAE as the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence. His public profile is built around his everyday duties in government, but is also marked by his passion for Emirati culture, equestrian sport, poetry, and adventure activities.

His public profile and social media activity have helped garner him a wide audience locally in the UAE and globally. This article will be updated as new information is received from official sources that is verified.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum?

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Deputy Prime Minister, and the UAE Minister of Defence. He is the son of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and is popularly known as Fazza. 

What does Fazza mean?

The pen name of Sheikh Hamdan is ‘Fazza’ (arz. ‘the one who helps’). In this name, he publishes his poetry (Nabati) and his social media (as @faz3). 

When was Sheikh Hamdan born?

Sheikh Hamdan was born in Dubai, UAE, on 14 November 1982. 

When did Sheikh Hamdan become Crown Prince?

On 1st February 2008, he was appointed Crown Prince of Dubai. He was also appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE in July 2024. 

Who is Sheikh Hamdan’s wife?

Sheikha Shaikha bint Saeed bin Thani Al Maktoum was married to Sheikh Hamdan on 15th May 2019. 

How many children does Sheikh Hamdan have?

He has four children: twins Rashid and Shaikha (May 2021), Mohammed (February 2023), and Hind (March 2025). 

What is Sheikh Hamdan’s net worth?

There has been no official statement that has been put out. The number of estimates found on the Internet varies widely, and there is no authoritative source to verify. 

What sports does Sheikh Hamdan compete in?

Sheikh Hamdan is also an equestrian, as she has won gold medals at the World Equestrian Games in 2012 and 2014 and a bronze medal in 2010; FEI records show. 

Is Sheikh Hamdan a poet?

Yes. He writes poetry in Arabic, under the pseudonym “Fazza,” which is the Arabic word for moccasin. In his 2019 bilingual book For the Love of Horses, there are 18 poems in Arabic and English.

How can I follow Sheikh Hamdan on social media?

Be wary of any other profile that purports to be his,s as it is not his official profile, @faz3, on Instagram and X.