Celebrating 13 Years As Crown Prince Of Dubai: 13 Facts About Sheikh Hamdan

On every February 1st, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed marks his anniversary of becoming the Crown Prince of Dubai.

This is 2021, and his 13 years in the role, Sheikh Hamdan has become a much-loved figure across the UAE and around the world, many thanks to his adventurous lifestyle.

His soft spot for adventure and love of animals, his forward-thinking nature, and passion for his country, are followed by his over 12 millions of social media followers and his countless celebrity friends.

Sheikh Hamdan, regularly referred to by his nickname Fazza, has also been instrumental in shaping Dubai into what it is today, launching initiatives to make the city an even more vibrant, healthy and enjoyable place for everyone, particularly, with tourists and visitors in mind.

To celebrate his 13 years as Crown Prince, here are 13 things you need to know about the Dubai Crown Prince:

1. Why we call him Fazza

Sharing similarity in writing skill with his father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan writes poetry, which he often shares online with friends and his over 12 million Instagram followers.

What does Fazza mean? Well, the meaning Fazza is simply “a person who speeds to the help and support of others”. Fazza in Emirati dialect, is a term mostly used in Nabati poetry, which is a common art form in the UAE.

Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan has said that his 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”.

It is also worthy of note that some of his poems have been turned into songs in Dubai, and is popular in the entire United Arab Emirates.

2. He is at home in the great outdoors

Sheikh Hamdan the Dubai Crown Prince is an adventerous young man. He his courage and bravery have made him venture into, jet-skiing, skydiving, hiking, snowboarding or zip-lining. In fact, Dubai’s Crown Prince is a certified action man. He most often shares his on his Instagram page.

3. He studied at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst

Sheikh had a stinct in the military. Mind you, so far far, over 200 Emiratis have studied at the British military school, including his father, Sheikh Mohammed.

Many a times and still counting, Crown Prince Hamdan has shared photos from his time at British Military Academy, Sandhurst, which he attended after studying at Rashid School For Boys.

Speaking of his education, he told Vision magazine in 2012:

“Education is so important in life – it is the key to everything that follows.

“My studies here in Dubai, then in the United Kingdom, opened my eyes to a world of possibilities. Education, knowledge and understanding enable you to look beyond today to new horizons.

“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.”

4. He is a keen fisherman

The Crown Prince Hamdan likes fishing. He most often shares photos of himself free-diving and deep-sea fishing.

After a successful fishing spree he shares the photo of the catch-of-the-day:

5. He is a real animal lover

Sheikh Hamdan has so much love for  with animals – from dogs and falcons to giraffes and baby deer.

Showcasing, e has even gone with a group of UAE conservationists to assist in trimming a giraffe’s hooves.

6. He is particularly passionate about horses

Although, many animals are posted on Sheikh Hamdan’s Instagram, horses seem to be a favourite.

The royal Crown Prince has been ridding horses since childhood, taking part in endurance racing on horseback. He also owns race horses.

Sheikh Hamdan has won international and regional endurance medals riding horses.

7. He is very fitness-focused

Sheikh Hamdan has taken it upon himself to present the image of the United Arab Emirates as a more tolorable and healthier place to beespecilally when you consider that the UAE is an Islamic Stateis on a mission to make the UAE a healthier place.

Through the Dubai Fitness Challenge, he encourages residents of the emirate to workout for 30 minutes a day for 30 consecutive days.

He often posts photos of himself working out, whether it’s in a gym, cycling or on an obstacle course, such as Sandstorm DXB, in which he took part in 2017.

8. He Is He  Real Definition Of A Family Man

Barely a month goes by without a photo of one of his nieces or nephews popping up on his Instagram.

The posts often include a heart emoji, or an “I miss you” message to his young family members.

9. He Completely Has No Heights Phobia

Sheikh Hamdan has high surge in adrenalin. He has high reputation within the UAE and outside the country for that.

However, his scariest exploit was in December, when he climbed to the summit of Burj Khalifa, as he videoed himself on the spire of the world’s tallest building, with a height of 828 metres.

On his Instagram page he posted the  video, alongside the caption “828 metres of excitement”, has been viewed more than 1.8 million times.

10. He has many celebrity friends

From training with Cristiano Ronaldo to hanging out with UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, Sheikh Hamdan spends time with more than a few A-list celebrities who have become his friends.

He is often pictured meeting stars for meals or in the gym when they visit Dubai.

11. He loves Taking Photographs Of Things

For a man who goes on as many adventures as Sheikh Hamdan, it’s only natural that an interest in photography should follow.

His Instagram page is awash with stunning photos of Dubai and other landscapes around the world, but he has also been instrumental in attracting other people to the art form, founding the Hamdan International Photography Award in 2011.

12. He is keeping the art of falconry alive across the UAE

A Houbara at the falcon centre in Nad Al Sheba. Falcons prey on Houbara. All pictures by Reem Mohammed / The National

Only 15 kilometres inland from Jumeirah Beach, Sheikh Hamdan has a private falconry centre the size of an aircraft hangar.

The “mind-blowing” centre, which The National toured last year, has a falcon hospital and control room.

It plays a crucial part in the Crown Prince’s many impressive competition wins in the sport. The centre is home to Fazza’s breeding and training programme.

13. He’s passionate about the environment

Much like his love for animals, he has also shown his support for many environmental causes over the years.

Most recently, he joined Dubai’s Jumeirah Group in its conservation work, releasing turtle hatchlings back into the ocean.

To help mark World Turtle Day in June, Sheikh Hamdan and the team released 45 hawksbill turtles, and 20 hatchlings from the Emirates Marine Environmental Group’s Jebel Ali Reserve.