Sheikh Hamdan shares video of enormous inflatables at popular Dubai attractions


Evelyn Lau
  • English
  • Arabic

Giant inflatables have taken over Dubai.

In a new video shared by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, some of the emirate’s most popular attractions are seen with huge floating pool toys.

The slick video shows a mammoth pink flamingo sliding down from the tip of Burj Khalifa, a jumbo-sized doughnut carefully passing through Dubai Frame and a giant rubber duck in front of Ain Dubai, among other instances of impressive video editing.

The post has already been liked by more than 363,000 people on Instagram and viewed more than 2.7 million times (as of writing) since it was uploaded on Friday.

Scroll the gallery below to see Dubai's popular tourist attractions.

  • The Museum of the Future, with its remarkable architecture, has quickly become a highlight for visitors to Dubai. Photo: DTCM
    The Museum of the Future, with its remarkable architecture, has quickly become a highlight for visitors to Dubai. Photo: DTCM
  • The Wild Wadi Waterpark in Jumeirah is one of the attractions that make Dubai a family-friendly destination. Photo: Wild Wadi
    The Wild Wadi Waterpark in Jumeirah is one of the attractions that make Dubai a family-friendly destination. Photo: Wild Wadi
  • The shops, cafes, bars and restaurants along Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai are popular among tourists. Photo: Reuters
    The shops, cafes, bars and restaurants along Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai are popular among tourists. Photo: Reuters
  • A jump at Skydive Dubai has become a must-do for daredevil visitors. Photo: Skydive Dubai
    A jump at Skydive Dubai has become a must-do for daredevil visitors. Photo: Skydive Dubai
  • Admirers will say that the Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world at about 830 metres, is Dubai's most famous tourist attraction. Photo: Dar Al Arkan
    Admirers will say that the Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world at about 830 metres, is Dubai's most famous tourist attraction. Photo: Dar Al Arkan
  • Visitors can enjoy an almost immersive experience of water and light at the Dubai Fountain. Photo: Alamy
    Visitors can enjoy an almost immersive experience of water and light at the Dubai Fountain. Photo: Alamy
  • A visit to Dubai often involves a trip to Al Fahidi Fort, with its dhow installation to celebrate the Gulf's maritime history. Photo: Alamy
    A visit to Dubai often involves a trip to Al Fahidi Fort, with its dhow installation to celebrate the Gulf's maritime history. Photo: Alamy
  • The ski lift at Ski Dubai inside the Mall of the Emirates. With its 22,500 square metres of skiiing, the centre is arguably one of the Gulf region's most eye-catching and unexpected attractions. Photo: AP
    The ski lift at Ski Dubai inside the Mall of the Emirates. With its 22,500 square metres of skiiing, the centre is arguably one of the Gulf region's most eye-catching and unexpected attractions. Photo: AP
  • Bluewaters Island, where the Ain Dubai wheel is located. Photo: Reuters
    Bluewaters Island, where the Ain Dubai wheel is located. Photo: Reuters
  • One of the pods on the Ain Dubai that offer visitors sweeping views of the city and Arabian Gulf waters. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    One of the pods on the Ain Dubai that offer visitors sweeping views of the city and Arabian Gulf waters. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The Ain Dubai lights up. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The Ain Dubai lights up. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis, The Palm. Photo: Atlantis, The Palm
    The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis, The Palm. Photo: Atlantis, The Palm

This clip is from the city’s major promotional campaign called Dubai Destinations. The strategy comes as part of Dubai's efforts to enhance its profile as a leading global destination, focusing on a wide variety of leisure, dining, cultural and sporting experiences on offer.

The scheme was announced by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, chairman of Dubai Media Council, in December.

"The Dubai Destinations initiative is a tribute to Dubai’s culture of hospitality and its open and inclusive outlook. With a wealth of creative content from diverse sources, this initiative will open many windows into Dubai’s uniqueness as a destination,” Sheikh Ahmed said.

The current season of Dubai Destinations runs until the end of August.

“Since its launch, the #DubaiDestinations campaign has focused on highlighting the quintessential Dubai experience and its uniqueness as a destination that offers a range of experiences that meet the tastes and interests of people across ages and nationalities," said Mona Al Marri, vice chairwoman and managing director of Dubai Media Council and director general of Dubai Media Office.

"With the focus now on Dubai’s various summer destinations, the campaign will showcase all that the city has to offer during this season with the objective of further raising the city’s profile as a leading global destination.

“As with each season of the campaign, the initiative aims to inspire citizens, residents and tourists to explore the captivating variety of leisure and entertainment choices in the city, including Dubai’s vibrant dining scene, its picturesque beaches, pools, outdoor activities and indoor attractions.”

Scroll the gallery below to see photos of Sheikh Hamdan over the years.

  • Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, stands on top of the Burj Khalifa. AFP
    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 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
    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
    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
    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
    Cycling around the Expo 2020 site. Photo: Instagram / Faz3
  • Enjoying a close encounter with some giant sharks. 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
    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
    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
    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
    Sheikh Hamdan declares Expo 2020 Dubai open. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Taking part in a Spartan Race. Photo: Instagram / Faz3
    Taking part in a Spartan Race. Photo: Instagram / Faz3
  • He is a regular traveller, seen here in Pisa, Italy. 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
    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
    On the Skydeck in Chicago. Photo: Instagram / Faz3
  • Braving the cold in Canada in January 2018. 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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    Cycling in San Francisco in 2015. Instagram / Faz3
  • Taking a snap with a young Tanzanian back in March 2016. 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
    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
    With the famous Uncle Saeed in Amsterdam in 2016. Instagram / Faz3
  • Here he is spearfishing, one of his favourite pastimes. Instagram / Faz3
    Here he is spearfishing, one of his favourite pastimes. Instagram / Faz3
  • On the road in Algeria. 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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    Out for a walk in the Big Apple. Instagram / Faz3
  • The Crown Prince looking out over New York. Instagram / Faz3
    The Crown Prince looking out over New York. Instagram / Faz3
  • At the airport in Algeria with his father and brother. 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
    The Crown Prince hiking in Scotland during summer this year. Instagram / Faz3
The biog:

From: Wimbledon, London, UK

Education: Medical doctor

Hobbies: Travelling, meeting new people and cultures 

Favourite animals: All of them 

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.5-litre%20V12%20and%20three%20electric%20motors%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2C015hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2C500Nm%20(estimate)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Eight-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Early%202024%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh2%20million%20(estimate)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Muguruza's singles career in stats

WTA titles 3

Prize money US$11,128,219 (Dh40,873,133.82)

Wins / losses 293 / 149

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Profile Idealz

Company: Idealz

Founded: January 2018

Based: Dubai

Sector: E-commerce

Size: (employees): 22

Investors: Co-founders and Venture Partners (9 per cent)

Gulf Under 19s final

Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3EName%3A%20Cashew%0D%3Cbr%3EStarted%3A%202020%0D%3Cbr%3EFounders%3A%20Ibtissam%20Ouassif%20and%20Ammar%20Afif%0D%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%0D%3Cbr%3EIndustry%3A%20FinTech%0D%3Cbr%3EFunding%20size%3A%20%2410m%0D%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Mashreq%2C%20others%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How to help

Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200

Updated: July 01, 2022, 4:46 PM