Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Dubai's Crown Prince, a modern royal who blends global business ambition with a poet's soul and a champion horseman's competitive drive.
Born 1982 (age 44)·Crown Prince of Dubai·Birthday: November 14·Millennials
Biography
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, known affectionately across the Arab world as 'Fazza,' represents a new archetype of Gulf leadership. Appointed Crown Prince of Dubai in 2008, he has been a central figure in executing his father's vision, transforming the city into a hyper-modern hub for finance, tourism, and innovation. Yet, behind the sleek skyscrapers and megaprojects lies a man of contrasting passions. As Fazza, he publishes widely read Nabati poetry, often focusing on themes of heritage, love, and chivalry, connecting him deeply with Emirati culture. In the equestrian world, he is a force, having secured multiple world champion titles in endurance riding, a sport that mirrors the Bedouin traditions of his ancestors. His public persona, carefully shared through social media, showcases a life of adventure—from skydiving over the Palm Jumeirah to deep-sea diving—crafting an image of a relatable, dynamic heir preparing to steer a 21st-century city-state.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Hamdan was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Hamdan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Hamdan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Led the Dubai 2021 strategic plan, focusing on making Dubai a smart, sustainable city and a global business center.
- Won the individual gold medal at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy in the endurance riding event.
- Serves as the Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, overseeing all government departments and projects in the emirate.
- Founded the 'Fazza' Championships for Falconry and Camel Racing, preserving and promoting traditional desert sports.
Did You Know?
His Instagram handle, @faz3, has tens of millions of followers, making him one of the most-followed royals in the world.
He is a licensed helicopter pilot.
In 2012, he was temporarily suspended from endurance racing after one of his horses tested positive for a banned substance.
He holds a degree in Government from Dubai School of Government and attended the London School of Economics.
“Our ambition has no ceiling, and our journey has no end.”
