Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, is spending time in the UK this summer. Photo: @faz3 / Instagram
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, is spending time in the UK this summer. Photo: @faz3 / Instagram
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, is spending time in the UK this summer. Photo: @faz3 / Instagram
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, is spending time in the UK this summer. Photo: @faz3 / Instagram

Video of Sheikh Hamdan taking a selfie with Dubai residents in London goes viral


Farah Andrews
  • English
  • Arabic

A video of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, meeting with a group of Dubai residents in London is going viral.

The Dubai royal is in the UK for a summer break and took time out to meet the two fans, posing for selfies with them from the front seat of his car.

The video was posted by Ahmad Jaber Al Harbi, a friend and regular travel companion of the Crown Prince, and was captioned: "When a Dubai resident spotted @faz3 in #London".

"Please can I take a picture?" the excited fan asks Sheikh Hamdan, who instantly replies, "Yes, yes."

Sheikh Hamdan then helps the fan take the selfie, by focusing the shot on her iPhone.

The male fan, who is wearing a green and white football kit, then goes in for a selfie and says, "Sorry to bother you", and Sheikh Hamdan replies, "No, it's OK", and shakes his hand.

The Crown Prince traditionally spends time in the UK each summer.

Scroll through the gallery below to see Sheikh Hamdan at Royal Ascot

  • Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, attends Royal Ascot. All photos: @faz3 / Instagram
    Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, attends Royal Ascot. All photos: @faz3 / Instagram
  • Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed at Royal Ascot.
    Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed at Royal Ascot.
  • Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed attended the opening day of the event at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, England.
    Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed attended the opening day of the event at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, England.
  • Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed at Ascot Racecourse.
    Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed at Ascot Racecourse.
  • Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
    Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
  • Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed with Prince Charles and Camilla.
    Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed with Prince Charles and Camilla.
  • Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed at Royal Ascot.
    Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed at Royal Ascot.
  • Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed at Royal Ascot.
    Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed at Royal Ascot.

In September 2021, a chance meeting between Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, on a London street went viral online.

Sheikh Hamdan was wearing a casual hooded top and chinos and kissed Sheikh Humaid on the forehead and said "marhaba al saa".

"I couldn't but stop when I saw you," he says in Arabic.

Sheikh Hamdan also embraces Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, president of the UAE Football Association. The encounter was near Selfridges department store in Oxford Street.

It was also from the UK that Sheikh Hamdan shared some of the earliest photos of his son, Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan. The images, taken at the Godolphin stables in the UK, show the father and son interacting with star racing horse, Adayar.

Sheikh Hamdan shared the photos on Instagram and wrote: "Training and education should start early on. Rashid and Sheikha came to see Adayar and wish him the best!"

Sheikh Rashid and his twin sister, Sheikha Sheikha bint Hamdan, were born in May 2021.

In the first photo, the Crown Prince is holding his baby boy up close to Adayar, the Irish-bred, British-trained Thoroughbred racehorse who won the 2021 Epsom Derby.

In the relaxed photo, Sheikh Hamdan is wearing light grey jeans and a tan hooded jacket, with a green T-shirt visible. Sheikh Rashid is wrapped up in a teal onesie and fluffy blue coat, with a white and grey hat. The photo was taken on an overcast day in the UK.

In a second photo, he can be seen posing with his son in front of the Godolphin logo.

Sheikh Hamdan's travel adventures — in pictures

  • Sheikh Hamdan shared this picture of himself and his young son, Sheikh Rashid. Photo: Sheikh Hamdan / Instagram
    Sheikh Hamdan shared this picture of himself and his young son, Sheikh Rashid. Photo: Sheikh Hamdan / Instagram
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, playing with his grandchild on their summer holidays, shared by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai. All photos: @faz3 / Instagram
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, playing with his grandchild on their summer holidays, shared by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai. All photos: @faz3 / Instagram
  • Sheikh Mohammed playing with his grandson Rashid.
    Sheikh Mohammed playing with his grandson Rashid.
  • Sheikh Hamdan shared photos of himself, his family and friends shooting in Yorkshire.
    Sheikh Hamdan shared photos of himself, his family and friends shooting in Yorkshire.
  • Sheikh Hamdan rides the London Underground with close friend Badr Ateej.
    Sheikh Hamdan rides the London Underground with close friend Badr Ateej.
  • Sheikh Mohammed joined his son Sheikh Hamdan and his grandchildren on holiday this summer.
    Sheikh Mohammed joined his son Sheikh Hamdan and his grandchildren on holiday this summer.
  • Sheikh Hamdan visited the F3 Stables in the UK with his son Sheikh Rashid, 1.
    Sheikh Hamdan visited the F3 Stables in the UK with his son Sheikh Rashid, 1.
  • Sheikh Hamdan on day one of Royal Ascot in the UK.
    Sheikh Hamdan on day one of Royal Ascot in the UK.
  • An image shared to mark World Oceans Day.
    An image shared to mark World Oceans Day.
  • An image of Sheikh Hamdan scuba diving.
    An image of Sheikh Hamdan scuba diving.
  • Sheikh Hamdan preparing for the unpredictable weather during a trip to Scotland.
    Sheikh Hamdan preparing for the unpredictable weather during a trip to Scotland.
  • Sheikh Hamdan in the Maldives with the Indian Ocean in the background.
    Sheikh Hamdan in the Maldives with the Indian Ocean in the background.
  • Sheikh Hamdan takes tea on a visit to Mongolia.
    Sheikh Hamdan takes tea on a visit to Mongolia.
  • Sheikh Hamdan dressed for the cold weather during a visit to Switzerland.
    Sheikh Hamdan dressed for the cold weather during a visit to Switzerland.
  • Sheikh Hamdan cycles through the Yorkshire countryside in England.
    Sheikh Hamdan cycles through the Yorkshire countryside in England.
  • French Riviera views from a trip to Cannes.
    French Riviera views from a trip to Cannes.
  • Sheikh Hamdan makes his way through the snow in Azerbaijan.
    Sheikh Hamdan makes his way through the snow in Azerbaijan.
  • Sheikh Hamdan casts his eye over the rugged beauty in Iceland.
    Sheikh Hamdan casts his eye over the rugged beauty in Iceland.
  • Sheikh Hamdan takes a waterfall selfie in the Faroe Islands.
    Sheikh Hamdan takes a waterfall selfie in the Faroe Islands.
  • Sheikh Hamdan captures the view from the Willis Tower, once the tallest building in the world, with his uncle Saeed.
    Sheikh Hamdan captures the view from the Willis Tower, once the tallest building in the world, with his uncle Saeed.
'Will%20of%20the%20People'
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EArtist%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMuse%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELabel%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EWarner%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2019 Jeep Wrangler

Price, base: Dh132,000

Engine: 3.6-litre V6

Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 285hp @ 6,400rpm

Torque: 347Nm @ 4,100rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 9.6L to 10.3L / 100km

Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Of Madness' 

   

 

Director: Sam Raimi

 

Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stuhlbarg and Rachel McAdams

 

Rating: 3/5

 
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Haltia.ai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202023%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Arto%20Bendiken%20and%20Talal%20Thabet%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20AI%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2041%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20About%20%241.7%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Self%2C%20family%20and%20friends%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
Director: Venkat Prabhu
Rating: 2/5
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
Napoleon
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Ridley%20Scott%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Joaquin%20Phoenix%2C%20Vanessa%20Kirby%2C%20Tahar%20Rahim%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%202%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Bridgerton%20season%20three%20-%20part%20one
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirectors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVarious%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nicola%20Coughlan%2C%20Luke%20Newton%2C%20Jonathan%20Bailey%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

The specs

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Transmission: ten-speed

Power: 420bhp

Torque: 624Nm

Price: Dh325,125

On sale: Now

Updated: July 20, 2022, 9:27 AM