Camel-loving Dubai crown prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum splurges on Ferraris, Lamborghinis and superyachts – but is also a sensitive soul, animal lover and daredevil. Photo: Instagram
Dubai’s Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum – the unassuming crown prince affectionately known as Fazza – might not be the richest royal in terms of wealth, but he’s clearly living life to the max.
With an estimated fortune of US$400 million, the 40-year-old Emirati showcases immense talent as a poet, politician and equestrian.
A blessed start
Like his equestrian older brother Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Fazza’s academic career began at Dubai’s prestigious Rashid School for Boys, established by the emirate’s first ruler in 1986. Later, he moved to the UK to attend Sandhurst – a top training college for British military officers favoured by Middle Eastern royals, followed by the London School of Economics.
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
Being the crown prince of a dazzling destination like Dubai can be reason enough to have a massive social media following. But that’s hardly the case here. The crown prince’s Instagram account has more than 15 million followers, which is more than the population of the UAE (which was clocked at 10 million last year).
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.
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.
Estimated to be worth US$2 billion, Zabeel Palace also includes a collection of luxury cars that would make the even the most deep-pocketed aficionado jealous. The royal is known to have an incredible collection of automobiles that include the Ferrari 458, Lamborghini Aventador, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Rolls-Royce Cullinan and more, per Car Blog India.
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.
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.
A fleet of cars is passe – Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is believed to own a fleet of superyachts, reportedly starring the iconic US$400 million Dubai yacht, US$200 million Quattroelle, US$80 million Moonlight II and US$30 million Majesty, among others.
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.
Dubai’s Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum – the unassuming crown prince affectionately known as Fazza – might not be the richest royal in terms of wealth, but he’s clearly living life to the max.
With an estimated fortune of US$400 million, the 40-year-old Emirati showcases immense talent as a poet, politician and equestrian.
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?
In 2013, Fazza garnered much attention over his stunt of scaling the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa. He took a picture of himself standing on the tip of the spire while waving the UAE flag a few days after the World Expo 2020 win.
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.
