• Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed is marking the first anniversary of his appointment as UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. Sheikh Hamdan, who is also Crown Prince of Dubai, was appointed to both Cabinet positions on July 14, 2024. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed is marking the first anniversary of his appointment as UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. Sheikh Hamdan, who is also Crown Prince of Dubai, was appointed to both Cabinet positions on July 14, 2024. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Sheikh Tamim, Emir of Qatar, and Sheikh Hamdan await the arrival of President Sheikh Mohamed at Hamad International Airport, Doha, in June. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
    Sheikh Tamim, Emir of Qatar, and Sheikh Hamdan await the arrival of President Sheikh Mohamed at Hamad International Airport, Doha, in June. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Hamdan with Sultan Haitham of Oman at Al Baraka Palace in Muscat in May. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Hamdan with Sultan Haitham of Oman at Al Baraka Palace in Muscat in May. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Sheikh Hamdan shakes hands with US President Donald Trump during a reception hosted by President Sheikh Mohamed at Qasr Al Watan, in Abu Dhabi, in May. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court
    Sheikh Hamdan shakes hands with US President Donald Trump during a reception hosted by President Sheikh Mohamed at Qasr Al Watan, in Abu Dhabi, in May. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Hamdan attends a ceremony to mark the 49th anniversary of the unification of the UAE Armed Forces in the Abu Mureikha area of Abu Dhabi, in May. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Hamdan attends a ceremony to mark the 49th anniversary of the unification of the UAE Armed Forces in the Abu Mureikha area of Abu Dhabi, in May. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Sheikh Hamdan with Lt Gen Issa Saif Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, right, visiting the Khalifa bin Zayed II Airborne Brigade Command, at Nad Al Sheba in Dubai, in April. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
    Sheikh Hamdan with Lt Gen Issa Saif Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, right, visiting the Khalifa bin Zayed II Airborne Brigade Command, at Nad Al Sheba in Dubai, in April. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Hamdan meets India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, during his official visit to the country in April. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Hamdan meets India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, during his official visit to the country in April. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Sheikh Hamdan during a meeting with India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi in April. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Hamdan during a meeting with India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi in April. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Sheikh Hamdan meets Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs, at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi, in April. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Hamdan meets Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs, at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi, in April. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • From left: Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, with Sheikh Hamdan, and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, at an event at Jebel Hafeet National Park to mark Eid Al Etihad in December 2024. Omar Al Askar / UAE Presidential Court
    From left: Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, with Sheikh Hamdan, and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, at an event at Jebel Hafeet National Park to mark Eid Al Etihad in December 2024. Omar Al Askar / UAE Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, centre, with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, left, and Sheikh Hamdan, right, at a ceremony in Al Sameeh, Abu Dhabi, to mark the 10th anniversary of national service, in December 2024. Wam
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, centre, with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, left, and Sheikh Hamdan, right, at a ceremony in Al Sameeh, Abu Dhabi, to mark the 10th anniversary of national service, in December 2024. Wam
  • Sheikh Hamdan attends the UAE Government Annual Meetings at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi, in November 2024. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
    Sheikh Hamdan attends the UAE Government Annual Meetings at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi, in November 2024. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
  • Sheikh Hamdan arrives in Kuwait on an official visit, where he was welcomed by Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Minister of Interior, in October 2024.
    Sheikh Hamdan arrives in Kuwait on an official visit, where he was welcomed by Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Minister of Interior, in October 2024.
  • Sheikh Hamdan takes the oath during his swearing-in ceremony at Qasr Al Watan, in July 2024. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
    Sheikh Hamdan takes the oath during his swearing-in ceremony at Qasr Al Watan, in July 2024. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Hamdan marks one year as UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence


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Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, is marking the first anniversary of his appointment as the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.

Sheikh Hamdan has played a significant role in the heart of government, at home and abroad in the past 12 months.

He was appointed to both key Cabinet positions on July 14, 2024, before being sworn in four days later in front of President Sheikh Mohamed.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, paid tribute to his son in a video with poetic verse, featuring Sheikh Hamdan in his early years and charting his rise in government.

"Today is your day Hamdan you always achieve hopes," Sheikh Mohammed says of Sheikh Hamdan, describing him as his "winning arrow".

One of the highlights of Sheikh Hamdan's year in office was an official visit to India in April, during which he held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

“It was a pleasure meeting the Prime Minister Narendra Modi today in New Delhi,” Sheikh Hamdan wrote on X at the time.

“Our conversations reaffirmed the strength of UAE–India ties which is built on trust, shaped by history and driven by a shared vision to create a future full of opportunity, innovation and lasting prosperity.”

The high-profile trip to India was one of a number of overseas engagements undertaken by Sheikh Hamdan in his ministerial capacity.

  • Sheikh Hamdan with Sundararaman Ramamurthy, chief executive of the Bombay Stock Exchange, in Mumbai. Photo: BSE
    Sheikh Hamdan with Sundararaman Ramamurthy, chief executive of the Bombay Stock Exchange, in Mumbai. Photo: BSE
  • Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, with Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister of India. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, with Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister of India. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Sheikh Hamdan with Mr Jaishankar at talks during an official visit to India. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Hamdan with Mr Jaishankar at talks during an official visit to India. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Sheikh Hamdan and Mr Ramamurthy open the stock exchange. Photo: BSE
    Sheikh Hamdan and Mr Ramamurthy open the stock exchange. Photo: BSE
  • Sheikh Hamdan meets Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi during an official visit. Photo: Indian Ministry of Defence
    Sheikh Hamdan meets Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi during an official visit. Photo: Indian Ministry of Defence
  • Sheikh Hamdan greets Mr Singh. Photo: Indian Ministry of Defence
    Sheikh Hamdan greets Mr Singh. Photo: Indian Ministry of Defence
  • Sheikh Hamdan in New Delhi with Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation. Photo: Indian Ministry of Defence
    Sheikh Hamdan in New Delhi with Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation. Photo: Indian Ministry of Defence
  • Mr Singh with his team during Sheikh Hamdan's visit. Photo: Indian Ministry of Defence
    Mr Singh with his team during Sheikh Hamdan's visit. Photo: Indian Ministry of Defence
  • Sheikh Hamdan meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photo: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed / X
    Sheikh Hamdan meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photo: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed / X
  • Sheikh Hamdan is greeted by Mr Modi. Photo: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed / X
    Sheikh Hamdan is greeted by Mr Modi. Photo: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed / X
  • Sheikh Hamdan has said talks with Mr Modi 'reaffirmed the strength of UAE–India ties'. Photo: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed / X
    Sheikh Hamdan has said talks with Mr Modi 'reaffirmed the strength of UAE–India ties'. Photo: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed / X
  • Sheikh Hamdan and Mr Modi with delegations representing both countries. Photo; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed / X
    Sheikh Hamdan and Mr Modi with delegations representing both countries. Photo; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed / X
  • Sheikh Hamdan holding talks with Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Hamdan holding talks with Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • The meeting was held at Hyderabad House in New Delhi as part of Sheikh Hamdan's official visit to India. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    The meeting was held at Hyderabad House in New Delhi as part of Sheikh Hamdan's official visit to India. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Sheikh Hamdan also met Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister of India. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Hamdan also met Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister of India. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • At the meeting with Mr Singh, avenues to strengthen defence and military co-operation between the two countries were explored. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    At the meeting with Mr Singh, avenues to strengthen defence and military co-operation between the two countries were explored. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Sheikh Hamdan arrives in India to begin his official visit. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Hamdan arrives in India to begin his official visit. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Sheikh Hamdan is greeted in New Delhi by Suresh Gopi, India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Hamdan is greeted in New Delhi by Suresh Gopi, India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Sheikh Hamdan is to hold high-level talks aimed at boosting long-standing relations with India. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Hamdan is to hold high-level talks aimed at boosting long-standing relations with India. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • The Dubai Crown Prince will meet Indian leaders and senior government officials during the official visit. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    The Dubai Crown Prince will meet Indian leaders and senior government officials during the official visit. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Sheikh Hamdan receives a grand welcome in the Indian capital New Delhi. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Sheikh Hamdan receives a grand welcome in the Indian capital New Delhi. Photo: Dubai Media Office

On the global stage

In May, he travelled to Muscat to meet Sultan Haitham of Oman in support of the long-standing friendship between the Gulf neighbours.

In September 2024, he took part in key discussions with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, as part of an official visit to the country.

They witnessed the signing of a number of agreements aimed at furthering partnerships between the nations at the Presidential Palace in Tashkent.

Sheikh Hamdan has also sought to champion the UAE Armed Forces since taking up the role of Minister of Defence, demonstrating the deep connection between the country's leadership and soldiers in the line of duty.

During the first weekend of Ramadan in March, Sheikh Hamdan sat down with National Guard troops in Hatta to enjoy iftar.

“I was delighted to join the personnel of the National Guard in Hatta for iftar,” Sheikh Hamdan wrote. “Their dedication to safeguarding our borders, even while away from their families during the Holy Month, is truly remarkable.

"We deeply appreciate all those who work diligently around the clock to ensure our country continues to be a beacon of stability and prosperity.”

Sheikh Hamdan attended a ceremony in May in honour of the 49th anniversary of the unification of the UAE Armed Forces.

Sheikh Hamdan said unification of the Armed Forces was a momentous national occasion on which the military can reflect on the legacy of UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The military was unified five years after the UAE was founded. Six of the seven emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah – formed the union on December 2, 1971. Ras Al Khaimah joined on February 10, 1972.

Other key dates
  • Finals draw: December 2
  • Finals (including semi-finals and third-placed game): June 5–9, 2019
  • Euro 2020 play-off draw: November 22, 2019
  • Euro 2020 play-offs: March 26–31, 2020

IF YOU GO
 
The flights: FlyDubai offers direct flights to Catania Airport from Dubai International Terminal 2 daily with return fares starting from Dh1,895.
 
The details: Access to the 2,900-metre elevation point at Mount Etna by cable car and 4x4 transport vehicle cost around €57.50 (Dh248) per adult. Entry into Teatro Greco costs €10 (Dh43). For more go to www.visitsicily.info

 Where to stay: Hilton Giardini Naxos offers beachfront access and accessible to Taormina and Mount Etna. Rooms start from around €130 (Dh561) per night, including taxes.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Juliot Vinolia’s checklist for adopting alternate-day fasting

-      Don’t do it more than once in three days

-      Don’t go under 700 calories on fasting days

-      Ensure there is sufficient water intake, as the body can go in dehydration mode

-      Ensure there is enough roughage (fibre) in the food on fasting days as well

-      Do not binge on processed or fatty foods on non-fasting days

-      Complement fasting with plant-based foods, fruits, vegetables, seafood. Cut out processed meats and processed carbohydrates

-      Manage your sleep

-      People with existing gastric or mental health issues should avoid fasting

-      Do not fast for prolonged periods without supervision by a qualified expert

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.6-litre%2C%20V6%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eeight-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E285hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E353Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh159%2C900%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO

Syria v Australia
2018 World Cup qualifying: Asia fourth round play-off first leg
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium, Malayisa
Kick-off: Thursday, 4.30pm (UAE)
Watch: beIN Sports HD

* Second leg in Australia on October 10

SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.4-litre%204-cylinder%20turbo%20hybrid%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20366hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E550Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESix-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh360%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2019 Audi A8

Price From Dh390,000

Engine 3.0L V6 turbo

Gearbox Eight-speed automatic

Power 345hp @ 5,000rpm

Torque 500Nm @ 1,370rpm

Fuel economy, combined 7.5L / 100km

SCHEDULE

Thursday, December 6
08.00-15.00 Technical scrutineering
15.00-17.00 Extra free practice

Friday, December 7
09.10-09.30 F4 free practice
09.40-10.00 F4 time trials
10.15-11.15 F1 free practice
14.00 F4 race 1
15.30 BRM F1 qualifying

Saturday, December 8
09.10-09.30 F4 free practice
09.40-10.00 F4 time trials
10.15-11.15 F1 free practice
14.00 F4 race 2
15.30 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi

The specs

The specs: 2019 Audi Q8
Price, base: Dh315,000
Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 340hp @ 3,500rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 2,250rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km
 

How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

The smuggler

Eldarir had arrived at JFK in January 2020 with three suitcases, containing goods he valued at $300, when he was directed to a search area.
Officers found 41 gold artefacts among the bags, including amulets from a funerary set which prepared the deceased for the afterlife.
Also found was a cartouche of a Ptolemaic king on a relief that was originally part of a royal building or temple. 
The largest single group of items found in Eldarir’s cases were 400 shabtis, or figurines.

Khouli conviction

Khouli smuggled items into the US by making false declarations to customs about the country of origin and value of the items.
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he provided “false provenances which stated that [two] Egyptian antiquities were part of a collection assembled by Khouli's father in Israel in the 1960s” when in fact “Khouli acquired the Egyptian antiquities from other dealers”.
He was sentenced to one year of probation, six months of home confinement and 200 hours of community service in 2012 after admitting buying and smuggling Egyptian antiquities, including coffins, funerary boats and limestone figures.

For sale

A number of other items said to come from the collection of Ezeldeen Taha Eldarir are currently or recently for sale.
Their provenance is described in near identical terms as the British Museum shabti: bought from Salahaddin Sirmali, "authenticated and appraised" by Hossen Rashed, then imported to the US in 1948.

- An Egyptian Mummy mask dating from 700BC-30BC, is on offer for £11,807 ($15,275) online by a seller in Mexico

- A coffin lid dating back to 664BC-332BC was offered for sale by a Colorado-based art dealer, with a starting price of $65,000

- A shabti that was on sale through a Chicago-based coin dealer, dating from 1567BC-1085BC, is up for $1,950

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

RESULTS

Time; race; prize; distance

4pm: Maiden; (D) Dh150,000; 1,200m
Winner: General Line, Xavier Ziani (jockey), Omar Daraj (trainer)

4.35pm: Maiden (T); Dh150,000; 1,600m
Winner: Travis County, Adrie de Vries, Ismail Mohammed

5.10pm: Handicap (D); Dh175,000; 1,200m
Winner: Scrutineer, Tadhg O’Shea, Ali Rashid Al Raihe

5.45pm: Maiden (D); Dh150,000; 1,600m
Winner: Yulong Warrior, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar

6.20pm: Maiden (D); Dh150,000; 1,600m
Winner: Ejaaby, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson

6.55pm: Handicap (D); Dh160,000; 1,600m
Winner: Storyboard, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar

7.30pm: Handicap (D); Dh150,000; 2,200m
Winner: Grand Dauphin, Gerald Mosse, Ahmed Al Shemaili

8.05pm: Handicap (T); Dh190,000; 1,800m
Winner: Good Trip, Tadhg O’Shea, Ali Rashid Al Raihe

Global Fungi Facts

• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil

Updated: July 17, 2025, 10:36 AM