Sheikh Hamdan's birthday: 39 pictures to celebrate Dubai Crown Prince turning 39

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, celebrates his birthday on November 14

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, stands on top of the Burj Khalifa. AFP

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan on the London Underground. Photo: Instagram / Faz3

Sheikh Hamdan with his baby boy, Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan, at the Godolphin Stables in England. Photo: Instagram / Faz3

On top of Ain Dubai, when Dubai's newest attraction opened in October 2021. Photo: Screengrab

Sheikh Hamdan's selfie at the Expo 2020 Dubai site, posted on his Instagram account. Photo: Instagram / Faz3

Cycling around the Expo 2020 site. Photo: Instagram / Faz3

Enjoying a close encounter with some giant sharks. Photo: Instagram / Faz3

Taking a selfie before joining participants at the Dubai Run in November 2019. Photo: Instagram / Faz3

Sheikh Hamdan is seen inside the flying taxi of the future. Reuters

Chinese film legend Jackie Chan met Sheikh Hamdan during his visit to the Emirates. Instagram

Sheikh Hamdan declares Expo 2020 Dubai open. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

Taking part in a Spartan Race. Photo: Instagram / Faz3

He is a regular traveller, seen here in Pisa, Italy. Photo: Instagram / Faz3

Sheikh Hamdan in Uzbekistan, a place he says has a 'special place' in his heart. Photo: Instagram / Faz3

On the Skydeck in Chicago. Photo: Instagram / Faz3

Braving the cold in Canada in January 2018. Photo: Instagram / Faz3

On a cycling tour in Estonia: the Crown Prince often makes trips to places that are off the beaten track. Instagram / Faz3

With a teetering rock sculpture in Norway, back in 2014. Instagram / Faz3

Exploring the glaciers of New Zealand, a country he called 'beautiful' back in May 2015. Instagram / Faz3

Wearing a traditional kimono in Japan. Instagram / Faz3

By a waterfall on one of the Faroe Islands, which are 18 rocky, volcanic islands between Iceland and Norway. Instagram / Faz3

A classic Paris shot. Instagram / Faz3

In one of his favourite places, Uzbekistan, back in 2015. Spot his dad, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, making his signature gesture in the background. Instagram / Faz3

Cycling in San Francisco in 2015. Instagram / Faz3

Taking a snap with a young Tanzanian back in March 2016. Instagram / Faz3

Sheikh Hamdan is a huge fan of cycling, having been behind many cycling initiatives in Dubai, and he's definitely showing support for the activity here. Instagram / Faz3

With the famous Uncle Saeed in Amsterdam in 2016. Instagram / Faz3

Here he is spearfishing, one of his favourite pastimes. Instagram / Faz3

On the road in Algeria. Instagram / Faz3

A breathtaking photo of the Crown Prince in Yosemite National Park in the US. Instagram / Faz3

At the World Equestrian Games in North Carolina in 2020. Instagram / Faz3

In the clouds, with an amazing view on show in Canada in January 2016. Instagram / Faz3

Against a cloudy landscape, also likely to be from his trip to Canada. Instagram / Faz3

On Umrah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in June 2018. Instagram / Faz3

Here's a throwback Thursday to when he was at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK. Instagram / Faz3

Out for a walk in the Big Apple. Instagram / Faz3

The Crown Prince looking out over New York. Instagram / Faz3

At the airport in Algeria with his father and brother. Instagram / Faz3

The Crown Prince hiking in Scotland during summer this year. Instagram / Faz3

November 14 is the birthday of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai. The popular prince, known informally as Fazza, turns 39 this year.

Sheikh Hamdan is known for his adventurous side, and has been seen skydiving, free diving, scaling the Burj Khalifa and, most recently, perched on top of an Ain Dubai pod.

He is famed for his love of adventure and animals, and his forward-thinking nature and passion for the country, and has a loyal social media following and countless celebrity friends.

Click through the gallery above for a look at Sheikh Hamdan's adventures and travels, in Dubai and internationally.

In May, Sheikh Hamdan became a father, welcoming twins Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan and Sheikha Sheikha bint Hamdan with his wife, Sheikha Sheikha bint Saeed.

Why do we call Sheikh Hamdan '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.