Most people know him from a viral Instagram clip. Maybe you've seen him scaling the tip of the Burj Khalifa or sipping coffee at the top of a skyscraper. To the 16 million people following his every move, he is Fazza—the adventurous, camera-ready "Prince of Dubai." But honestly, if you think Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum is just a royal influencer with a penchant for extreme sports, you're missing about 90% of the story.
He’s currently juggling roles that would make a corporate CEO’s head spin. Since July 2024, he has served as the UAE’s Minister of Defence and Deputy Prime Minister. This isn't just a ceremonial title. He took over the defense portfolio from his father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who had held it since the country’s founding in 1971. That is a massive legacy to step into.
The Man Behind the Fazza Persona
The nickname "Fazza" isn't just a catchy handle. In Emirati dialect, it refers to someone who rushes to the aid of others. It’s a nod to his identity as a Nabati poet. While the world watches his skydiving videos, a huge portion of the Arabic-speaking world connects with him through his verses. His poetry usually touches on themes of chivalry, patriotism, and family. It’s a grounded, traditional contrast to his high-tech, fast-paced public image.
He was born on November 14, 1982. He’s the second son of Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum. His education was a mix of local roots and global polish. He started at the Rashid School for Boys in Dubai, then headed to the UK for the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He’s often credited Sandhurst for teaching him the discipline needed to run a city. Later, he hit the London School of Economics to sharpen his grasp on governance.
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What He's Actually Doing in 2026
If you live in Dubai, your daily life is likely touched by one of his initiatives. Just this January, he launched the Season of Wulfa. It’s a sprawling cultural project with over 50 events designed to stitch the community together during Ramadan and Eid. It’s part of a broader push to make sure Dubai doesn’t lose its soul while it chases the title of "smartest city on earth."
Then there's the tech side. He is obsessed with AI. Like, actually obsessed. Late last year, he approved a massive AI infrastructure platform to speed up how the government uses machine learning. He’s also pushing the "Unicorn 30" program, which aims to turn 30 Dubai-based startups into billion-dollar companies. He doesn't just want Dubai to be a place where people spend money; he wants it to be the place where the next big global tech is built.
A Quick Look at His Portfolio:
- Minister of Defence: Overseeing national security.
- Crown Prince of Dubai: Heir apparent and face of the city.
- Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council: Basically the COO of the emirate.
- Equestrian Champion: A world-class endurance rider with multiple gold medals.
The Personal Life People Obsess Over
He married Sheikha Sheikha bint Saeed bin Thani Al Maktoum in 2019. They have four kids now: the twins Rashid and Sheikha (born 2021), Mohammed (born 2023), and their youngest, Hind, who arrived in March 2025. He shares glimpses of them on social media, but he’s surprisingly protective of their privacy compared to his own public-facing stunts.
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Speaking of stunts, the man’s garage is legendary. We’re talking Ferraris, custom G-Wagons, and a fleet of tanks—yes, actual tanks—for desert dune bashing. But he also takes the Dubai Metro. He’ll show up at a local gym and just start working out next to residents. It’s this weird, fascinating blend of "untouchable royal" and "neighborhood guy" that makes his brand work.
The Equestrian Obsession
Horse racing isn't a hobby for the Al Maktoums; it's a DNA trait. Hamdan is a serious athlete in the world of endurance riding. He won individual gold at the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy. He doesn't just sit in a VIP box at Royal Ascot; he’s out there in the mud, riding 160-kilometer races. It’s grueling stuff.
There have been bumps, though. Back in 2009, he faced a 10-month ban after one of his horses tested positive for a steroid. Critics have occasionally pointed to the massive spending in the equestrian world as a sign of royal excess. But for Hamdan, it seems to be about the "purebred Arabian" heritage as much as the sport.
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Why Should You Care?
Because what Hamdan does in Dubai often sets the trend for the rest of the Middle East. Whether it’s the Dubai Fitness Challenge (his brainchild to get the city moving for 30 minutes a day) or his push for a paperless government, these experiments usually scale up.
He’s currently focused on the Dubai Plan 2033. This involves a "20-Minute City" concept—the idea that any resident should be able to reach 80% of their daily needs within a 20-minute walk or bike ride. In a city built for cars and extreme heat, that is a wild, ambitious goal.
The Reality Check
Is it all perfect? Of course not. Transitioning a traditional monarchy into a digital-first global hub comes with immense pressure. Balancing the needs of a local population with the demands of millions of expats is a constant tightrope walk. But Hamdan seems to thrive on that pressure. He’s positioned himself as the bridge between his father’s "Old Dubai" vision and a future defined by AI and sustainability.
Key Takeaways for Your Next Trip or Business Venture in Dubai:
- Keep an eye on the "Season of Wulfa" if you're visiting in early 2026; it’s the best way to see the "real" Dubai beyond the malls.
- Startups should look at the "Unicorn 30" program. The funding and regulatory support are becoming world-class.
- Expect more "Green Dubai" initiatives. His recent approval of 152 new parks in areas like Madinat Latifa shows he’s serious about urban livability.
If you want to understand where Dubai is going, stop looking at the buildings and start looking at what Hamdan is posting. Behind the filters and the poetry is a very calculated, very modern plan for a city that refuses to stop growing.