Dubai will host a most-auspicious occasion on Thursday – the wedding ceremony of three royals.
The sons of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai - Sheikh Hamdan, Sheikh Maktoum and Sheikh Ahmed - will celebrate at World Trade Centre in a reception attended by thousands of men. A separate women's ceremony is expected to be held next week. The couples were married in a private ceremony on May 15.
The occasion carries great significance for guests and residents. Most to those in attendance know Sheikh Hamdan, Crown Prince of Dubai, on a personal level. Lieutenant Bader Al Nouri is among them.
Last year, the 28-year-old joined Sheikh Hamdan’s F3 racing team, which competes in the Gov Games and other challenges, and trains with him on a regular basis. He and the F3 team will be there on Thursday.
"I speak for everybody when I say this wedding is a celebration for the entire nation," said Lt Al Nouri, an officer with Dubai Police.
"I designed a new dishdasha [national dress] for the occasion.
"We will go to greet the sheikh and congratulate him as a team... it will be very brief because many people will attend."
Lt Al Nouri first met Sheikh Hamdan in March last year.
He was recognised by Sheikh Hamdan for his athletic achievements after he won the title of Fittest UAE National in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
And he was crowned winner of the adventure game show The Quest on Dubai TV last year, along with his competition partner Nabil Ibrahim.
"One of the most significant things I have noticed about Sheikh Hamdan is that not a single day passes and he does not train," he said.
"He follows the schedule no matter how busy he is, even if he has meetings he finishes and comes to the training to do the workout.
"He wants to impress and inspire; it is very hard to find someone in his position that dedicated [to daily fitness]," Lt Al Nouri said.
The wedding on Thursday is the formal recognition of the marriages of the three sheikhs.
Last month, Sheikh Hamdan married Sheikha Sheikha bint Saeed bin Thani Al Maktoum.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, married Sheikha Maryam bint Butti Al Maktoum.
And Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, married Sheikha Midya bint Dalmouj Al Maktoum.
