February 1 marks the anniversary of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed becoming Crown Prince of Dubai.
In his 14 years in the role, Sheikh Hamdan has become a much-loved figure across the UAE and around the world.
His love of adventure and animals, and his forward-thinking nature and passion for the country, have gained him millions of social media followers and countless celebrity friends.
Sheikh Hamdan, regularly referred to by his nickname Fazza, has also been instrumental in shaping Dubai into what it is today, launching initiatives to make the city an even more vibrant, healthy and enjoyable place in which to live and visit.
To celebrate his 14 years as Crown Prince, here are 14 things you need to know about him:
1. Why we call him Fazza
Like his father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan writes poetry, which he sometimes shares online.
Fazza means "a person who speeds to the help and support of others". From the Emirati dialect, it's a term often used in Nabati poetry, which is a common art form in the UAE.
Sheikh Hamdan has described his poetry as "my identity and poetic character through which I humbly attempt to rekindle joy in the hearts of people, alleviate their suffering in my own simple way. I express their hopes and aspirations".
Some of his poems have been turned into songs.
2. He is at home in the great outdoors
Whether it be skydiving, jet-skiing, hiking, snowboarding or zip-lining, Dubai's Crown Prince is a verified action man. His adventures are often shared on his Instagram page.
3. He studied at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
More than 200 Emiratis have studied at the British military school, including his father, Sheikh Mohammed.
Over the years, Sheikh Hamdan has shared photos from his time at Sandhurst, which he attended after studying at Rashid School For Boys.
Of his education, he told Vision magazine in 2012: "Education is so important in life – it is the key to everything that follows.
"My studies here in Dubai, then in the United Kingdom, opened my eyes to a world of possibilities. Education, knowledge and understanding enable you to look beyond today to new horizons.
“What you learn in prominent military academies like Sandhurst revolves around the values of discipline, responsibility and commitment. These values are practically essential to carry out your responsibilities competently.”
4. He is a keen fisherman
The UAE royal often shares photos of himself free-diving and deep-sea fishing.
A photo of his catch-of-the-day frequently follows soon after:
5. He is a real animal lover
Sheikh Hamdan seems to have a natural affinity with animals – from dogs and falcons to giraffes and baby deer.
He has even gone with a group of UAE conservationists to assist in trimming a giraffe’s hooves.
6. He is particularly passionate about horses
Although many animals are posted on Sheikh Hamdan's Instagram, horses seem to be a favourite.
The royal has ridden horses since childhood, taking part in endurance racing on horseback. He also owns race horses.
Sheikh Hamdan has won international and regional endurance riding medals.
7. He is very fitness-focused
Sheikh Hamdan is on a mission to make the UAE a healthier place.
Through the Dubai Fitness Challenge, he encourages residents of the emirate to workout for 30 minutes a day for 30 consecutive days.
He often posts photos of himself working out, whether it's in a gym, cycling or on an obstacle course, such as Sandstorm DXB, in which he took part in 2017.
8. He is a real family man
Barely a month goes by without a photo of one of his nieces or nephews popping up on his Instagram.
The posts often include a heart emoji, or an "I miss you" message to his young family members.
9. He is a new father
In 2021, Sheikh Hamdan became a first-time father – to twins. The Crown Prince and his wife, Sheikha Sheikha bint Saeed, welcomed a boy and a girl, Rashid and Sheikha, in May.
Since their birth, Sheikh Hamdan has shared a few snippets of the twins on social media, including a post introducing them to his champion horse, Adayar, at Godolphin, the Maktoum family's private stables in the UK.
"Training and education should start early on. Rashid and Shaikha came to see Adayar & wish him the best!", he captioned the snap.
10. He's certainly not afraid of heights
Over the years, Sheikh Hamdan has cemented his reputation as an adrenalin-lover.
But perhaps his scariest exploit was in December, when he climbed to the top of Burj Khalifa, filming himself harnessed on the spire of the world's tallest building.
The video, which he posted alongside the caption “828 metres of excitement”, has been viewed more than 1.8 million times.
Ahead of Ain Dubai opening in October 2021, he also stood on top of one of the observation wheel's pods at the top of the 250-metre structure.
11. He has many celebrity friends
From training with Cristiano Ronaldo to hanging out with UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, Sheikh Hamdan spends time with more than a few A-list celebrities who have become his friends.
He is often pictured meeting stars for meals or in the gym when they visit Dubai. Most recently, he was spotted with Ronaldo visiting SushiSamba on Palm Jumeirah as well as Aura Skypool.
12. He loves photography
For a man who goes on as many adventures as Sheikh Hamdan, it's only natural that an interest in photography should follow.
His Instagram page is awash with stunning photos of Dubai and other landscapes around the world, but he has also been instrumental in attracting other people to the art form, founding the Hamdan International Photography Award in 2011.
13. He is keeping the art of falconry alive across the UAE
Only 15 kilometres inland from Jumeirah Beach, Sheikh Hamdan has a private falconry centre the size of an aircraft hangar.
The "mind-blowing" centre, which The National toured last year, has a falcon hospital and control room.
It plays a crucial part in the Crown Prince's many impressive competition wins in the sport. The centre is home to Fazza's breeding and training programme.
14. He's passionate about the environment
Much like his love for animals, he has also shown his support for many environmental causes over the years.
Most recently, he joined Dubai's Jumeirah Group in its conservation work, releasing turtle hatchlings back into the ocean.
To help mark World Turtle Day in June, Sheikh Hamdan and the team released 45 hawksbill turtles, and 20 hatchlings from the Emirates Marine Environmental Group’s Jebel Ali Reserve.
- An earlier version of this story first appeared on The National in February 2021
2024%20Dubai%20Marathon%20Results
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Important questions to consider
1. Where on the plane does my pet travel?
There are different types of travel available for pets:
- Manifest cargo
- Excess luggage in the hold
- Excess luggage in the cabin
Each option is safe. The feasibility of each option is based on the size and breed of your pet, the airline they are traveling on and country they are travelling to.
2. What is the difference between my pet traveling as manifest cargo or as excess luggage?
If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is traveling in the front hold of the plane and can travel with or without you being on the same plane. The cost of your pets travel is based on volumetric weight, in other words, the size of their travel crate.
If traveling as excess luggage, your pet will be in the rear hold of the plane and must be traveling under the ticket of a human passenger. The cost of your pets travel is based on the actual (combined) weight of your pet in their crate.
3. What happens when my pet arrives in the country they are traveling to?
As soon as the flight arrives, your pet will be taken from the plane straight to the airport terminal.
If your pet is traveling as excess luggage, they will taken to the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. Once you clear passport control, you will be able to collect them at the same time as your normal luggage. As you exit the airport via the ‘something to declare’ customs channel you will be asked to present your pets travel paperwork to the customs official and / or the vet on duty.
If your pet is traveling as manifest cargo, they will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre. There, their documentation will be reviewed by the staff of the ARC to ensure all is in order. At the same time, relevant customs formalities will be completed by staff based at the arriving airport.
4. How long does the travel paperwork and other travel preparations take?
This depends entirely on the location that your pet is traveling to. Your pet relocation compnay will provide you with an accurate timeline of how long the relevant preparations will take and at what point in the process the various steps must be taken.
In some cases they can get your pet ‘travel ready’ in a few days. In others it can be up to six months or more.
5. What vaccinations does my pet need to travel?
Regardless of where your pet is traveling, they will need certain vaccinations. The exact vaccinations they need are entirely dependent on the location they are traveling to. The one vaccination that is mandatory for every country your pet may travel to is a rabies vaccination.
Other vaccinations may also be necessary. These will be advised to you as relevant. In every situation, it is essential to keep your vaccinations current and to not miss a due date, even by one day. To do so could severely hinder your pets travel plans.
Source: Pawsome Pets UAE
TECH%20SPECS%3A%20APPLE%20WATCH%20SERIES%209
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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Emirates launched a new daily service to Mexico City this week, flying via Barcelona from Dh3,995.
Emirati citizens are among 67 nationalities who do not require a visa to Mexico. Entry is granted on arrival for stays of up to 180 days.
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
Results:
6.30pm: Maiden Dh165,000 2,000m - Winner: Powderhouse, Sam Hitchcott (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap Dh165,000 2,200m - Winner: Heraldic, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
7.40pm: Conditions Dh240,000 1,600m - Winner: Walking Thunder, Connor Beasley, Ahmed bin Harmash
8.15pm: Handicap Dh190,000 2,000m - Winner: Key Bid, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
8.50pm: The Garhoud Sprint Listed Dh265,000 1,200m - Winner: Drafted, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson
9.25pm: Handicap Dh170,000 1,600m - Winner: Cachao, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
10pm: Handicap Dh190,000 1,400m - Winner: Rodaini, Connor Beasley, Ahmed bin Harmash
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
The Specs:
The Specs:
Engine: 2.9-litre, V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power: 444bhp
Torque: 600Nm
Price: AED 356,580 incl VAT
On sale: now.
Paltan
Producer: JP Films, Zee Studios
Director: JP Dutta
Cast: Jackie Shroff, Sonu Sood, Arjun Rampal, Siddhanth Kapoor, Luv Sinha and Harshvardhan Rane
Rating: 2/5
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Biography
Her family: She has four sons, aged 29, 27, 25 and 24 and is a grandmother-of-nine
Favourite book: Flashes of Thought by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
Favourite drink: Water
Her hobbies: Reading and volunteer work
Favourite music: Classical music
Her motto: I don't wait, I initiate
Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
