If Dubai’s rise was designed by one generation, its future is being driven by the next. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum — Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council — is the leader turning his father’s vision toward the digital economy, advanced technology and a healthier, more active city. This guide explains who he is, what he leads, and why his initiatives touch everyday life in Dubai.
Who is Sheikh Hamdan?
Sheikh Hamdan was born on 14 November 1982, the son of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai. He was educated in Dubai and at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England, and later at the London School of Economics. In September 2006 he became Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai — the body that runs the emirate’s government — and on 1 February 2008 he was named Crown Prince of Dubai. In July 2024 his role widened to the federal stage: he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Minister of Defence, while keeping his Dubai responsibilities.
He is widely known by his nickname and poetry pen name, Fazza — a published poet in the Nabati tradition like his father — and as a world-class endurance horse rider who has won international championships, as well as a keen sportsman across diving, cycling and fitness.
What he leads
- The Executive Council. Since 2006 he has chaired the council that directs Dubai’s government departments — the machine that turns the Ruler’s vision into services residents actually use.
- Dubai’s digital government. He led the push that made Dubai the world’s first paperless government (completed in 2021), with city services gathered into the Dubai Now app and a government measured on happiness and speed.
- The Dubai Fitness Challenge. Launched by Sheikh Hamdan in 2017, the Challenge asks the whole city to do 30 minutes of activity for 30 days — 30×30 — and every year millions join, from schoolchildren to CEOs. Our Dubai Fitness Challenge 2026 guide covers this year’s edition.
- The future agenda. From the Dubai Economic Agenda to the emirate’s metaverse and AI strategies, his committees steer the sectors Dubai wants to lead next — always framed as quality of life for the people who live here.
- Moments the city feels. When Sheikh Hamdan announced the Dubai Access Club on 1 November 2026 — a five-year visa membership for the city’s most loyal visitors — it showed the pattern: an announcement from the Crown Prince becomes, within days, something residents and visitors can actually use.
Why his announcements matter to you
Visas, government services, transport, sport and the digital economy — the files on Sheikh Hamdan’s desk are the files that change a Dubai resident’s week. That is why DXB Talk follows his announcements alongside his father’s (see our Sheikh Mohammed coverage), verifies them against official sources, and explains what each one means in practice in the daily Dubai Today brief.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Crown Prince of Dubai?
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince since 1 February 2008 and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
What does Fazza mean?
Fazza is Sheikh Hamdan’s well-known nickname and his pen name as a poet. The name suggests someone who rushes to help others — a fitting summary of how the city knows him.
What is the Dubai Fitness Challenge?
An annual city-wide initiative launched by Sheikh Hamdan in 2017: 30 minutes of exercise a day for 30 days, with free classes, hubs and events across Dubai.
What roles does Sheikh Hamdan hold?
He is Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and — since July 2024 — Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Defence.
What is The Executive Council of Dubai?
The body that oversees Dubai’s government departments and implements the Ruler’s vision. Sheikh Hamdan has chaired it since 2006.
Why does DXB Talk cover Sheikh Hamdan’s announcements?
Because his initiatives — from digital government to the Fitness Challenge and new visa programmes — change what residents and visitors need to know and do. We verify each one against official sources and explain it in plain language.
