DUBAI // Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Dubai, has made an emotional tribute to his older brother, Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed, on what would have been his 34th birthday.
Sheikh Rashid died in September of a sudden heart attack at the age of 33.
“The memory of your birthday is marked by merciful rains,” said the caption to the photo Sheikh Hamdan posted on Instagram on Thursday.
Sheikh Hamdan also posted a few verses of the poem My Brother: The Word, which he wrote after his brother's death.
The verses Sheikh Hamdan selected depict the places the brothers would visit in their childhood.
Sheikh Hamdan said these locations hold the fondest memories but now serve as reminders of his loss.
Many well-wishers shared their appreciation of the poem with Sheikh Hamdan, both online and in person at the mourning period at Zabeel Palace.
Sheikh Rashid’s body was carried by his brothers and laid to rest in Umm Hurair cemetery in Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai.
Sheikh Hamdan referred to his older brother as his best friend and childhood companion on several posts on social media.
The photo has been liked and shared by thousands of people.
Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed, the sister of Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Rashid, also posted a tribute to her brother.
“No one will ever know what it meant to lose you. You will always be in our hearts and life will never be the same without you,” she said.
“I consider myself lucky to have had a brother like you and to have known such a kind heart. You will forever be missed my dearest brother.”
Sheikh Rashid was a successful horseman, winning two gold medals at the 2006 Doha Asian Olympics in the 120-kilometre Endurance Individual Team Mixed events.
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