The royal prince who plotted to turn a monarchy into a democracy
In short: Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is a prominent Emirati royal known for his leadership in sports and state-owned energy. Yet, behind his public roles lies a clandestine 2011 plot to overthrow the UAE's leadership and transform the nation's governance into a constitutional system.
Sheikh Hamdan, a son of the UAE's founder, served as Deputy Prime Minister before a business dispute with his half-brother, the current president Mohamed bin Zayed, led to his dismissal in 2009. He was subsequently appointed as the governor of Al Dhafra, a move described as an effective exile from Abu Dhabi. During this period, he became increasingly convinced of the need for radical political reform. He holds a bachelor's degree in political sciences and business administration from the United Arab Emirates University. His mother is Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi. He is the fourth son of the nation's founder.
Inspired by his father's own history of staging a coup in 1966, Hamdan allegedly plotted a move in 2011 to oust the current president. Aiming for a bold transformation, he sought to convert Abu Dhabi's absolute monarchy into a constitutional system. This plan included granting universal suffrage to all Arab nationals and establishing a directly elected legislature with full powers, arguing that wealth was becoming too concentrated in the country. He also served as the Chairman of the UAE Football Association from 1984 to 1993. His vision for reform was sparked following his Hajj in 2010.
The plot was discovered in mid-2011 by Interior Minister Saif Al Nahyan. Hamdan was placed under house arrest and a communication blackout was enforced. Although he first sought to relocate to Europe by resigning, his funds were confiscated and he faced a domestic travel ban. The news of the coup attempt remained hidden for years, only breaking in 2015. Today, he remains a figure of significant influence, holding roles such as Chairman of the Emirati German Friendship Society and the Emirates Camel Racing Federation. He currently serves as the ruler's representative in the Al Dhafrah region. He also chairs the state-owned company Dolphin Energy and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi.
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