A blessed start

He has been crown prince of Dubai since 2008 after his brother Sheikh Rashid was overlooked for the role (Rashid later died suddenly of a heart attack in 2015, aged 33).

He is Insta famous

His account flaunts an incredible lifestyle with ample doses of adventure and luxury, exploring interests including animals, poetry, sports and photography, and attracting hundreds of thousands likes and views with every post.

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He is a published poet

The Dubai crown prince uses the ancient Arabic Nabati style to write poems. He publishes his poems under the pseudonym of “Fazza”, meaning the one who helps in Arabic. The Emirati prince released a bilingual 18-poem collection called For the Love of Horses in 2019, combining his expressions with his equestrian interests.

Sheikh Hamdan has described his poetry as “my identity and poetic character through which I humbly attempt to rekindle the joy in the hearts of people, alleviate their suffering in my own simple way. I express their hopes and aspirations,” per The National.

He lives in an enormous US$2 billion residence

Built in 1963, Zabeel Palace is the 14-hectare official residence of the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and his family. An impressive feat of design and architecture, this larger-than-life dwelling flaunts all of life’s luxuries. The crown prince is a well-known animal-lover, which explains why his home boasts a private zoo packed with exotic animals, including tigers, lions, gorillas and monkeys, as seen in a Dubai-based YouTuber’s vlog.

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The triple wedding in 2019 was a magnum opus

The grand wedding of Sheikh Hamdan to Sheikha Shaikha bint Saeed bin Thani Al Maktoum was the stuff of dreams. On the same day in 2019, his brothers, Sheikh Maktoum and Sheikh Ahmed, all got married at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The celebration was a showcase of Emirati culture and traditions, and the lavish reception was enthralled by a stunning display of music and entertainment.

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A fleet of gigantic superyachts for a prodigal prince

The Maktoum family owns many yachts, including Dubawi and the Silver Yacht Smeralda. But the crown prince’s own personal collection of luxury vessels is genuinely impressive, reflecting his love for the sea and the finer things in life.

An out-an-out animal-lover

In addition to having a personal zoo in his US$2 billion residence, the professional horseback rider (and champion at the World Equestrian Games) owns over 200 horses (per Koobit) and 16 beautiful camels, bought from a camel beauty pageant in 2008, states Today.

The Emirati royal owns a private falconry, per The National. It is believed he also owns several exotic mammals, rare birds and astonishing animals cared for by a team of dedicated handlers who ensure that they are well-fed, healthy and happy.

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A born thrill-seeker

One man may not have it all, but Fazza seems like the man who has undoubtedly tried it all. From spearfishing, cycling, ziplining, snowboarding, horse riding, deep sea diving and skydiving, is there any sport he hasn’t thrown himself at?

So there you have it, if there was ever any doubt, Sheikh Hamdan is officially an enigmatic personality who has proved a daredevil and a doting dad with equal ease. The man can seem brawny as he scales peaks and attempts adrenaline-pumping stunts, and then moments later comes across as a sentimental soul, writing poetry and caring for animals. A modern day renaissance royal.