Marwan al Maktoum, eldest son of the ruler of Dubai. You're too tough: the most eligible bachelor of the Arab world Young sheikhs

DYNASTY OF SHEIKHS OF THE UAE

All emirates are absolute monarchies. The only exception is Abu Dhabi, whose system is close to constitutional monarchy. The country, which is a federal union of monarchies, has been a member of the UN and the League of Arab States, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Non-Aligned Movement, etc. since 1971.

As follows from the very name of this amazing state, its structure is very original. The UAE is divided into seven emirates, each ruled by its own dynasty of monarchs. One of them, during the next elections, receives the post of President of the United United Arab Emirates. And although theoretically, any of the seven sheikhs could take the place of the political leader, and therefore it is never possible to accurately predict who will become the next head of state, most often the ruler of the emirate of Abu Dhabi becomes the president of the UAE.

Until recently, the ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi was the President, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who belonged to the Abu Falah dynasty. Representatives of this family have ruled Abu Dhabi since the founding of the emirate, that is, since 1761.

Sheikh Zayed, the 14th ruler of the Nahyan family, was born in Jahili (Treaty Oman) in 1916 or 1918. This data comes from different sources; exact date The birth of the head of Abu Dhabi is not known at all, since at that time the Bedouins simply did not record the time of birth of their children. The ruler of the emirate is the youngest of the four sons of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, who was the head of the emirate in 1922-1926 (the father of the future president of the UAE was killed by his own brother Saqr). After the death of Zayed bin Sultan, his sons had to hide with relatives for two years, wandering from oasis to oasis. The brothers were able to “come out of hiding” only after Sakr himself repeated the fate of Zayed bin Sultan, dying a violent death. Then Zaid’s elder brother, Sheikh Shahbut (ruled until 1966), came to power.

Sheikh Zayed began to be involved in government affairs back in 1946, when he received the post of governor of the Al-Ayin district. And 20 years later, on August 6, he replaced his brother as ruler of the emirate. On December 2, 1971, this representative of the Abu Falah dynasty was elected president of the federal state; Since then, Sheikh Zayed has been re-elected to this post every five years. The permanent head of the Emirates was very popular among the population. In the capital alone there were about a thousand of his portraits! The most large image president had an area of ​​just under 500 square meters. On November 3, 2004, Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan passed away.

The ruler of the emirate of Abu Dhabi had four wives. True, according to Western sources, Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan was married nine times, but in accordance with the requirements of Islam he never had more than four spouses at the same time. The most prominent role in the life of the United Arab Emirates is played by one of them - Fatima bint Mubarak, president of the UAE Women's Society. Sheikh Zayed raised 19 (!) sons who currently occupy high government positions or lead own business. It is interesting that the President of the Emirates, who himself was left without an education, forced members of his large family to finish best universities peace.

In 1833, territories that were owned by two representatives of the Abu Falah dynasty were separated from Abu Dhabi. It was then that the emirate of Dubai came into existence; the resulting new dynasty, which headed this state, began to bear the name al-Maktoum. Today the head ruling family Dubai is His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He is also the vice-president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates. The duties of the UAE Minister of Defense are performed by the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum. By the way, traditionally the head of the UAE government is the monarch of Dubai.

As for the emirate of Sharjah, the ruling al-Hashimi dynasty traces its family straight back to... the Prophet Muhammad! Currently, the head of this family is His Highness Sheikh Sultan III bin Muhammad al-Hashimi.

The heads of the Ajman emirate are representatives of the Abu Hurayban and al-Nuaimi dynasties; Today the country is led by His Highness Sheikh Huamid bin Rashid al-Nuaimi.

Ras al-Khaimah is ruled by representatives of the same family as the rulers of the emirate of Sharjah, namely the al-Hashimi dynasty. This is not surprising, especially considering that in the past this emirate was repeatedly part of Sharjah. The current representative of the ruling dynasty of Ras Al Khaimah is His Highness Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Hasimi.

Umm al-Quwain is ruled by the al-Ali dynasty (also called al-Mualla). Head ruling house today is His Highness Sheikh Rashid III bin Ahmed al-Mualla.

And finally, the emirate of Fujairah. Actually, its territory until 1952 was part of the Emirate of Sharjah and only then gained independence and its own ruling family - al-Sharqi. Today, Fujairah is led by His Highness Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi.

But the tradition of electing the ruler of Abu Dhabi to the post of president was not interrupted. On the day of the death of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, the Council of the United Arab Emirates proclaimed the most likely candidate for this position: the eldest son and heir of the deceased as the new president of the federation of monarchies. The new President of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi, 56-year-old Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, before his election to the post of head of state, served as Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the country. In addition, Sheikh Khalifa led the affairs of defense and finance in Abu Dhabi and served in the emirate as chairman of the Investment Council, the Arab Fund economic development and the Supreme Petroleum Council.

In ancient times, the emirates that were part of the UAE were part of Oman, but at the same time they all enjoyed significant independence. Both during the reign of the Achaemenids (VI century BC), and during the existence of the Sassanid state (III-VI centuries AD), and later, when the Arab Caliphate was formed, these territories were under the control of the local nobility. In the middle of the 8th - middle of the 9th centuries AD. e. The emirates of Sharjah and Dubai managed to achieve a certain independence, but the Abbasids quickly returned everything to normal, again taking the lands of both emirates under their control. At a later time, the interests of Iran, Turkey, Portugal, other states, and Wahhabis collided on the territory of Sharjah and Dubai.

In particular, the Persian and Oman Gulfs came under the dominance of Portugal in the years 1500–1650. Actually, the path for this country to “happy Arabia” was paved by none other than the famous Vasco da Gama. But later the Portuguese were forced out of the territory of the modern emirates: in 1600–1773, the region had to go through the era of trade and colonial expansion of the British East India Company.

By that time, relatively independent sheikhdoms had already emerged on the coast of the Persian Gulf, and Oman had become a large and influential state. Then, in the middle of the 18th century, Yemeni tribes appeared on the territory of the modern emirate of Abu Dhabi, who were members of the Bani Yas confederation. The “aliens” settled in the oases of Silva and Liwa, and then occupied the coastal zone. The tribes were headed by a sheikh from the Nahyan clan - the direct ancestor of the current head of the emirate. The headquarters of this ruler was the island of Abu Dhabi, on which a town with the same name was built in 1761. Since then, the Nahyan dynasty has not been interrupted for more than two and a half centuries; its representatives succeed each other on the throne of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Since the end of the 18th century, the political life of the emirates has become very tense and eventful, although the range of problems was not pleasing with its diversity. The fact is that the local population began to conflict with the English East India Company; Each side competed for a leading role in the transportation of goods in the Persian Gulf. Particularly strong resistance to the British attempts to establish control over maritime trade was provided by the Arab tribes who settled the northern coast of the Persian Gulf. Since at that time there were almost regular attacks on the company’s ships, the entire region of the emirates, with the light hand of the British who were dissatisfied with this situation, received the unflattering name - the Pirate Coast. It became official name the entire area and appeared in this form on English maps.

IN early XIX centuries the territory of the emirates on short time managed to capture the Wahhabis; the new owners of the coast declared a holy war against the British. In 1804–1808, subjects of the British crown and their Muscat allies constantly fought fighting against the tribes that inhabited the Pirate Coast. In 1809, the British managed to emerge victorious in a clash with the Wahhabi fleet and bombard the city of Ras al-Khaimah from the sea. But five years later, the Wahhabis regained their advantage in this region, after which for another two years they completely blocked all approaches to the Persian Gulf.

Finally, in 1820, the East India Company managed to find common language with the sheikhs of the local tribes. This happened after England, taking advantage of the fact that Wahhabi forces were concentrated against the Egyptian army leading a land offensive, destroyed the enemy fleet in 1819 and still burned Ras al-Khaimah. A year later, the parties came to an agreement and signed the “General Peace Treaty,” according to which the British were able to control this problematic territory. New agreements in 1835, 1838–1839, and 1847 only strengthened the position of the British in the Persian Gulf. At the same time, it was decided to divide ancient Oman into the Imamate of Oman, the Sultanate of Muscat and the Pirate Coast, which in 1853, after the signing of the “Treaty of Permanent sea ​​world", received the name Oman Treaty.

During World War II, sheikhdoms did not take part in hostilities. However, they provided significant military benefits to Great Britain, for which the latter, after the end of the war, increased the status of these territories, making them emirates (principalities). True, one of the emirates, Kalba, which became part of Sharjah, was abolished at the same time. At that time, in fact, the process of integrating the emirates into the federation began. At meetings in 1945 and 1950–1951, the heads of the emirates discussed the issues of unifying the police forces, the currency system and the customs department. Local armed forces were created in 1951 to protect oil company personnel. A year later, the Council of the Trucial States, headed by a British political agent, and the Trucial States Development Fund began to function in Dubai. The creation of these two institutions laid the foundation for the future federation of monarchies.

However, the internal political situation in the region could not be called problem-free. Border conflicts flared up between the emirates every now and then. Abu Dhabi and Dubai were especially distinguished in this sense, between which serious clashes occurred in 1947–1949. External border conflicts, often caused by economic interests Western monopolies. Thus, the stumbling block became the Al-Buraimi oasis, to which the heads of Abu Dhabi, Oman and Saudi Arabia. The question was that the lands of the ill-fated oasis turned out to be oil-bearing. As a result, until 1955, control of Al-Buraimi belonged to Saudi Arabia and only then, after the failure of negotiations, the armed forces of Abu Dhabi and Oman, supported by the British, took possession of the oasis.

At the end of the 50s of the last century, large oil reserves were discovered in Abu Dhabi. In 1962, the extraction of “black gold” was organized in the emirate and the export of raw materials to Europe and America was established. As a result, in a few years, a very modest emirate turned into a great oil-producing state in the Middle East. In 1966 oil fields were opened in Dubai, and in 1973 - in Sharjah and other emirates.

The discovery of oil only aggravated the already unfavorable political situation in the country. An anti-imperialist movement developed in the emirates; in 1962, the Emir of Sharjah gave a concession for the extraction of “black gold” to an American company, which, naturally, did not make the British happy. The Sheikh of Ras al-Khaimah followed the example of his colleague. In October 1964, both monarchs, bypassing the British authorities, agreed to accept the Arab League commission. The British could not ignore such a move and ordered the arrest of the ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Saqr ibn Sultan al-Qasimi (1925–1993). The emir was declared deposed, and an attempt was made on the life of the monarch of Ras al-Khaimah. But the British themselves were forced to think about how to prevent further interference by the League of Arab States in the affairs of the emirates.

In 1965, at the initiative of London, the first meeting of the seven emirates that were part of the Treaty of Oman was held in Dubai. The participants reviewed 15 major economic projects aimed at developing the territories. In 1968, Great Britain officially announced that in the near future it intends to withdraw from the zones east of the Suez Canal, transferring power in the emirates to local rulers. Already in the same year, the heads of nine British mandated territories (the seven emirates of Trucial Oman, Qatar and Bahrain) gathered for a meeting in Abu Dhabi. Participants discussed the possibility of creating a federation of monarchies after the British actually left the region. But Qatar and Bahrain subsequently decided to declare independence and refuse to join the union.

The emirates finally got rid of British rule on December 1, 1971, when Great Britain announced the renunciation of its rights to the territories located on the Persian Gulf coast. After the British protectorate over Trucial Oman became a thing of the past, these lands finally gained complete independence. And the very next day, December 2, the six resulting states united and formed the UAE. The seventh emirate, Ras al-Khaimah, became part of the new entity a year later - on February 16, 1972.

A central role in the process of unification of the emirates was played by the head of the largest and richest of the seven members of the UAE - Abu Dhabi - Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, who came to power on August 6, 1966 through a bloodless coup. He took the place of the previously ruling emir, Sheikh Shakhbut, his elder brother, who was removed as a result of the decision of the sheikhs of the Nahyan clan. Shakhbut, who managed to raise the economy of the state, in matters foreign policy He turned out to be an extremely intractable person and an implacably proud man. He managed to ruin relations with the government of Dubai, which is why a real internecine war broke out between the emirates; quarreled with the British, violating the oil development agreement; handed over part of the fishing territories to the Americans. In addition, the sheikh cared little about the impoverished existence that his subjects continued to eke out: he did not know how to properly use the oil wealth and feared that improving the living conditions of the people would undermine the foundations of the monarchy. In addition, this representative of the Abu Fala clan, constantly at war with his neighbor, kept most of his funds not in the bank, but in the palace on hand - in case of buying weapons and hiring soldiers. But one day it was discovered that rats had profited from the banknotes. Whether this is true is unknown. But family council really removed the sheikh from his high post and solemnly sent him into retirement, leaving Zaid al-Nahyan to correct the mistakes of his predecessor.

Having come to power, Sheikh Zayed made a policy statement: “If Allah has blessed us with his gifts, then the first thing we should do to please and be grateful to him is to direct the wealth to transform the country and do good to the people. We will build a society with housing, food, health care and education.” And the president kept this promise, turning the impoverished provincial outskirts British Empire into a modern, prosperous state, the standard of living of whose population is one of the highest in the world. Moreover, al-Nahyan did this in record time.

The rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai initiated the unification of the emirates and the creation of an independent federation of monarchies. On February 18, 1968, Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan and Rashid bin Said al-Maktoum signed an agreement to this effect. Seven days later, the heads of the mandated territories discussed the possibility of creating a federal state, and on March 1, 1968, the creation of the Federation of the Arab Emirates was announced. But the monarchs were never able to come to an agreement on defining the role of their emirates in the new state. As a result, two groups emerged. One of the groups included the rulers of the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Sharjah, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ajman and Bahrain. They were opposed by the rulers of Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah and Qatar. At the same time, the rulers of Qatar and Bahrain, having a more developed economy and surpassing the other emirates in population, refused to recognize the equality of all members of the federation. So by the end of 1969 the FAE disbanded. And two years later, Qatar and Bahrain declared themselves independent powers.

The heads of the emirates once again met for a meeting on July 18, 1971; then six of them voted to create a new federation. Ras al-Khaimah initially refused to join the UAE because it did not receive the coveted veto power on national decisions. In addition, this emirate was in conflict with Iran over the oil-rich islands of Greater and Lesser Tunb. The rest of the sheikhs did not want to commit themselves to Ras al-Khaimah, foreseeing that the confrontation with Iran could escalate into a military clash.

Having assessed the activities of Zayed al-Nahyan, the heads of the monarchies who made up the Supreme Council of the UAE elected the Sheikh of Abu Dhabi as the first president of the country. In 2001, this man was re-elected to a seventh (!) 5-year presidential term. This “political elder of the planet,” as the press called the UAE president, was second only to Fidel Castro in terms of political longevity, but in terms of age he was truly a patriarch among the world’s heads of state. Zayed al-Nahyan really did a lot for his country, managing to boost its economy, developing international tourism and other areas of the economy, and investing huge amounts of money in construction. By order of the head of state, the capital and many other cities were beautified: fertile soil was brought in, palm trees and flowers were planted (by the way, every bush and tree is irrigated using special desalination plants!). In addition, the president knew how to find compromises when resolving issues that were important for each of the emirates that were part of the federation.

Unfortunately, over the years, the health of the UAE leader began to deteriorate. Back in 1996, he underwent a complex neurosurgical operation on his spine (the president’s problems began at the age of 10, when he fell unsuccessfully from a horse). Four years later, the emir had to go under the surgeon’s knife again - now he needed an urgent kidney transplant. However, the powerful organism of the monarch coped with such a shake-up and allowed Zaid al-Nahyan to again take the post of president of the country. But in 2004, the 86-year-old leader fell ill completely. Before his death, he did not appear in public for several weeks. It seems that the residents of the UAE have still not recovered from the shock they experienced after hearing the news of the death of the “father of the people.” After all, the sheikh, who actually made the Emirates what it is today, was simply idolized during his lifetime. Accepting the legacy of such a person is simple and difficult at the same time. Simply - because he left things in exemplary order. It’s hard because it’s impossible to compete with a person who managed to do so much for the country. But new president It is not for nothing that the UAE is the son of the “legend” of the Emirates. And if Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan inherited at least part of his abilities and longevity from his parent, a great future awaits him...

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Still the reason mysterious death 33-year-old Sheikh Rashid remains shrouded in mystery. Let us recall that the eldest son of the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, passed away at the age of 33. According to media reports, on September 19, 2015, Sheikh Rashid, who had a reputation as a handsome playboy with a brilliant future, died at home due to a sudden heart attack.

Despite the fact that the official version of his death is a myocardial infarction, there have long been rumors in the United Arab Emirates that the young Sheikh Rashid abused drugs and because of his addiction, he repeatedly ended up in a rehabilitation center. In 2008, he was stripped of his legal title as Crown Prince of Dubai.

IN recent years, especially before his death, Sheikh Rashid somehow gradually and smoothly pulled away from social life and went into the shadows, while becoming one of the most mysterious influential figures in the emirate of Dubai. His father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, had only two wives and 24 children. Through his efforts, he transformed a dull and mediocre emirate into a dazzling modern metropolis and a global high-tech and tourism center.

There are many versions of the death of the 33-year-old Sheikh of Dubai. For example, the Iranian Fars news agency stated that Rashid did not die from suffering a “sudden heart attack,” as the official statement said, but during the fighting in Yemen. Iranian media unanimously claim that Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed al-Maktoum and several other UAE soldiers were killed during artillery shelling by rebel forces in the Yemeni province of Marib. False information about the death of the Crown Prince of Dubai as a result of a heart attack was published in order to mislead residents of the United Arab Emirates, who are in favor of withdrawing troops from Yemen.

Another version of the prince’s death in the form of a diplomatic message was published on the Wikileaks website. It contains a fascinating description of the events that really took place in the palace and were carefully hidden from prying eyes. A certain diplomat from one of the Western countries shared information that Sheikh Rashid lost his title as Crown Prince of Dubai and all prospects of legitimate power due to the fact that he allegedly killed his father’s assistant in a state of passion. Although the assistant's name is never mentioned, analysts have suggested that the murder was committed as a result of a steroid-induced rage.

Another leak, provided by a Saudi Arabian diplomat, suggests that drugs and mass sexual orgies are commonplace in the palace of the ruler of Dubai, as well as in the emirate of Dubai as a whole. However, access to such events is open only to wealthy Arabs.

If we weigh the pros and cons, analysts agree that the heart attack that ended the life of 33-year-old Sheikh Rashid is nothing more than a beautiful excuse that does not cast a shadow on the sheikh’s reputation.

33-year-old Sheikh Hamdan is the son of the famous Arab Sheikh Mohamed Al Maktoum, who is the Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE. The eminent heir was born in November 1982 and, what is most interesting, he is not the only one. His family includes six brothers and nine sisters.

Sheikh Hamdan received an excellent education in England, where he spent his teenage years. He graduated with honors military school and the College of Economics in London. Already in the UAE, Hamdan entered school administrative management, which helped him in his further government activities.

Sheikh Hamdan took the throne in 2008 after his older brother abdicated. This news was not new to the parents, as they expected such an outcome of events. The Prince of Dubai has lived up to the expectations placed on him and has ruled the principality for 10 years. It is noted that he is actively involved in political life countries without missing a single meeting.

The usual appearance of eminent heirs does not apply to the prince of the UAE. Naturally, he lives in comfortable apartments, he has a car and a yacht, but at the same time, Prince Hamdan is one of the most responsible rulers. The Prince successfully runs the Institute of Young Entrepreneurs and ranks leadership position at the Emirate Sports Council.

In addition, the Prince of the UAE finances several programs that are aimed at collecting cash to help children and animals. He is the head of one of charitable foundations who works with autistic children.

Mutilation of Prince Hamdan

However, in his life there is not only politics. The prince also finds time for entertainment. Despite his position in society, the sheikh has a lot of hobbies. The heir's favorite pastimes are diving, water skiing and parachute jumping. Once he had the opportunity to test a modern aircraft that was capable of rising into the air, spewing huge jets of water.

As is clear from the above, the prince is attracted to extreme sports. His achievements also include photo hunting on the African continent. The heir is the winner of the Olympic Games in equestrian sports.

Personal life of Prince Hamdan

Young man on at the moment, is an eligible bachelor. And if you consider that he is handsome and smart, and not without a sense of humor and modesty, then a whole line of beautiful ladies will line up in an attempt to win his heart.

In means mass media It has been said more than once that the prince’s heart is not occupied by anyone and he is in search of the one and only. However, more than once information was found that the prince’s engagement took place in infancy and the chosen one had long been found. It recently became known that Sheikh Hamdan’s wife should be Sheikha bint Said Thani al-Maktoum. The tabloid press has repeatedly published photographs of the prince with a stranger whose face is hidden by fabric.

Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum - full name crown prince, eligible bachelor of the planet, billionaire and simply handsome man. How does he live? Arabian prince?

1. Sheikh is one of 13 children, has 6 brothers and 9 sisters. The heir's fortune is estimated at a tidy sum, just under 20 billion US dollars. Prince Hamdan was born to Prime Minister and Vice President Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his first wife. This young man is very popular because of his extraordinary image, close to ordinary people.

2 Like many famous children of heirs, the sheikh was educated in Great Britain, lived for some time in London, after which he returned home, where responsibilities and affairs awaited him.

3. As befits a crown prince, he was prepared for the ruling post from childhood. So the young sheikh accepts the most active participation in the life of his country, regularly appearing at various congresses, to which he invariably puts on a kandura and arafat.

4. But, when the officialdom is over, the prince transforms into a simple, smiling guy who passionately loves Formula 1 and horses.

5. The Sheikh is confident in the saddle, which even led to his victory at the Olympic Games.

6. It is quite natural that, despite his European education, the prince is different from others crown princes other countries! For example, his personal life is kept in the strictest confidence.

7. But you can often see him with small children - these are the sheikh’s nieces and nephews, with whom he willingly takes pictures. In addition, you can see Hamdan surrounded by tiger cubs, falcons and Arabian horses. In short, luxury worthy of the gods.

8. But despite his wealth, Hamdan does not forget about the poor and is involved in charity work, overseeing several relief funds.

9. It is known that he is engaged to a certain relative on his mother’s side. It should be noted that the bride is chosen by the parents, according to Arab traditions, so it is not surprising that the future of the prince has long been decided.

10. However, sheikhs are allowed to have as many wives as they want, but most likely this will also be the choice of his family, and not his romantic interest.

11. Now the prince holds the post of chairman of the Dubai Council, and he is also the president of the sports committee.

12. Hamdan’s versatile talents also extend to poetry. His Highness writes romantic poetry.

13. How well the prince stays in the saddle brought him first place in horseback riding.

14. The prince also breeds camels, which in itself is a rather expensive hobby.

15. It is logical that His Highness flies exclusively by private jet.

16. The prince's hobbies include scuba diving with an elephant.

17. In addition to overseeing charitable foundations, the sheikh supports people with disabilities.

18. The white tiger cub is the prince’s favorite.

19. Hamdan also loves cars.

20. Among the extreme sports that the sheikh practices is skydiving. In flight!

21. Mountaineering

22. Hunting with falcons

23. Hamdan is an excellent photographer, always ready to give advice to beginners in this business.

24. With a camera in hand

25. Diving is also the heir’s hobby.

Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the 35-year-old heir to the throne of the Emirate of Dubai. Sheikh Hamdan is a true eastern prince: he is fabulously handsome, owns a huge fortune and enjoys such typical royal things as falconry, equestrianism and Formula 1 racing. His fortune is estimated at over $18 billion.

Let's tell you about the life of a young billionaire.

1. Arab sheikh Hamdan has lived in incredible luxury since birth. He was born into the family of the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum. He also has 6 brothers and 9 sisters. In the United Arab Emirates, Hamdan is a very popular person due to his versatile image and apparent “closeness to the people.”

2. In fact, Hamdan spent most of his life not in his native United Arab Emirates, but in Great Britain, where he received an excellent education. At first he studied at an elite military school ground forces in Sandhurst, which is often chosen by English aristocrats for their beloved children. Then the sheikh moved to London, where he studied economics. After several years spent in Foggy Albion, Hamdan still had to return to his homeland - matters of national importance were already awaiting him there.

4. In ordinary life, Sheikh Hamdan looks a little different - he loves baseball caps with Formula 1 symbols, sports T-shirts and shorts. And the prince is to some extent far from politics - he is quite romantic in nature, loves travel, falconry and horse riding.

5. The prince is an excellent rider, he is very interested in equestrian sports, has his own stable and once won the Arabian Olympic Games thanks to his skill in the saddle.

6. The Sheikh of the United Arab Emirates is not at all like British princes Harry or William, although he lived in England for several years. Very little is known about Hamdan’s personal life, unlike his famous “colleagues,” and what is known is only rumors and guesses. One thing we know for sure is that the image makers of the royal court are constantly working to ensure that the image of the sheikh is impeccable.

7. Judge for yourself - Sheikh Hamdan is constantly photographed with children, his many nephews and nieces and at the same time looks like an absolutely charming and kind uncle. At the same time, the sheikh does not let anyone forget that he lives in luxury - on the Internet you can find a lot of photographs of Hamdan with tiger cubs (he can afford to have a pet tiger instead of a modest cat!), falcons, Arabian horses, luxury cars, in the interiors of a magnificent palace... In a word, the sheikh is constantly in an aura of power and wealth.

8. Of course, one of the richest people in the world cannot help but engage in charity work - Hamdan oversees several foundations, and sometimes he himself comes to visit people in need of help.

9. His personal life and relationships with women in the UAE are talked about only in whispers. Answering a question about his possible marriage, the prince said that he had been engaged to a maternal relative since birth, so there were no problems with choosing a bride - everything was decided long before he even entered conscious age. Several times his photo with an unknown woman appeared in the media, but we will never see her face - Hamdan's alleged bride (or wife?) wears a black burqa, showing the world only her eyes. Everything else is for the husband.

10. However, the sheikh has the right to have as many wives as he wants, so it is quite difficult to talk about the prince’s romantic affections. By comparison, Hamdan's father, Sheikh Mohammed, is rumored to have around five wives. We say “about” because the exact number is really unknown - there are only eyewitness accounts and guesses.

In a word, get closer to the mysterious eastern prince Even girls from aristocratic families have no opportunity, since everything connected with his personality is confidential information, and the influential Hamdan clan is unlikely to leave the choice of wives to his own discretion. This does not prevent the sheikh from having a lot of fans of his attractive appearance and various talents - after all, no one forbade him to watch and believe!

11. Nowadays, the 32-year-old sheikh works as chairman of the Dubai City Council and president of the Dubai Sports Committee.

12. Like his father, Sheikh Hamdan writes poetry. The main motives of poetry are family, homeland, romantic relationship.

13. The prince is a skilled horseman. He received a gold medal in horse riding at the Asian Games.

14. His Highness is also interested in breeding camels, which requires considerable expenses.