The dual identity of Dubai's Crown Prince: royal leader and poet Fazza
In short: Beyond the high-stakes world of international equestrianism and political leadership, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum maintains a private literary life. Known to his readers by the pen name Fazza, he uses Arabic poetry to express themes of romance and patriotism, bridging the gap between royal duty and creative expression.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum has occupied a central role in Dubai's governance for nearly two decades. Since his appointment as Crown Prince of Dubai on 1 February 2008, he has overseen significant regional developments. His political influence expanded further on 14 July 2024, when he was appointed both Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates, succeeding his father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
His public persona is defined by a diverse array of interests, ranging from high-level sports to digital engagement. As an equestrian, he has achieved significant success, including a gold medal at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy and a team gold in 2012. His athletic history has been questioned; a 10-month suspension followed the discovery of a steroid in one of his horses in 2009, and allegations surfaced in 2013 that he used a pseudonym while riding during the 2012 World Championships.
In the digital age, Hamdan maintains a massive social media presence, with over 17 million Instagram followers as of April 2025. Through this platform, he shares his passions for photography, adventure, and animals. His commitment to cultural and economic growth is further evidenced by his founding of the Hamdan International Photography Award in 2011 and the launch of the 'Dubai Global' initiative in June 2022, which aimed to establish 50 commercial representative offices across five continents to strengthen Dubai's business standing.
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