You’ve probably seen the viral videos of a man casually sitting on top of the Burj Khalifa or skydiving over the Palm Jumeirah with the ease of someone grabbing a morning coffee. That’s him. But if you’re asking who is prince of dubai and expecting a simple, one-word answer, you’re only getting half the story.
The man in the videos is Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Most people—and his 16 million-plus Instagram followers—simply call him Fazza.
It’s easy to look at the supercars and the private jets and think "classic royal." Honestly, though? The guy is way more complex than the "rich prince" trope. Since 2008, he’s been the Crown Prince of Dubai, but as of early 2026, his portfolio has expanded into some of the most serious government roles in the Middle East. He isn't just a figurehead; he's basically the COO of one of the world's fastest-growing cities.
The Man Behind the Fazza Persona
So, why "Fazza"? It’s not just a cool-sounding handle. It’s a pen name he uses for his Nabati poetry. In the local dialect, it refers to someone who rushes to help others. It’s a bit of a window into how he wants to be perceived—less like a distant monarch and more like a community protector.
He was born on November 14, 1982. He’s the second son of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the current Ruler of Dubai. You might wonder how a second son becomes the Crown Prince. It’s a question that comes up a lot. His elder brother, Sheikh Rashid, sadly passed away in 2015, but Hamdan had already been officially named the heir apparent years prior in 2008 because of his aptitude for leadership and his father's trust.
Education and the Sandhurst Connection
Like many royals in the Gulf, Hamdan’s path went through the UK. He graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2001. If you talk to anyone who’s been there, they’ll tell you it’s a brutal environment designed to break you down and build you back up. He’s often credited that time with teaching him discipline and "the value of a minute." After Sandhurst, he hit the London School of Economics to brush up on the business side of things.
What Does He Actually Do All Day?
If you check his schedule for January 2026, it’s a blur of high-level diplomacy and urban planning. He isn't just the Crown Prince anymore; he’s now the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
Think about that for a second. He’s overseeing the military strategy of a major regional power while also chairing the Dubai Executive Council.
- Minister of Defence: He took this role in July 2024, succeeding his father.
- Economic Visionary: He is the primary driver behind "Dubai D33," an ambitious economic agenda aimed at doubling the size of Dubai's economy by 2033.
- The Fitness Guy: If you’ve ever heard of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (30 minutes of exercise for 30 days), that’s his brainchild. He’s usually out there in the 5 AM fog running with thousands of residents.
The "Action Man" Lifestyle: Is it Real?
People often ask if the "Fazza" lifestyle is just a PR stunt. Kinda, but mostly no. The guy is a legit world-class athlete.
He’s an equestrian who won individual gold at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy. He isn't just "participating"; he’s competing at the highest possible level. Whether it’s cave diving, snowboarding, or spearfishing, he seems to have a genuine adrenaline addiction.
But there's a softer side that gets a lot of traction on social media. He’s a father now. In 2021, he and his wife, Sheikha Sheikha bint Saeed bin Thani Al Maktoum, welcomed twins: Rashid and Shaikha. More recently, in early 2025, they welcomed another daughter, Hind. His posts have shifted lately—less "jumping off buildings" and more "teaching my kids how to feed a horse." It’s made him feel much more relatable to the average person in the UAE.
Why He Matters to the Future of Dubai
Dubai is currently in a weird transition phase. It’s moving from being a "vacation spot for the rich" to a "global hub for tech and AI."
Hamdan is the face of this shift. He’s obsessed with tech. You’ll see him at the "Museum of the Future" more often than at a gala. He’s pushed for Dubai to become a paperless government and is currently obsessed with making the city the "AI capital of the world."
He’s also surprisingly accessible. It’s not uncommon for residents to spot him at a local coffee shop or driving his own Mercedes G-Wagon through the desert. This "approachable royalty" vibe is a very specific branding choice that has worked wonders for Dubai’s image.
Actionable Insights: How to Follow the Prince’s Lead
If you're inspired by the "Fazza" lifestyle or just want to keep up with what's happening in Dubai, here are a few ways to engage with his initiatives:
- Join the Dubai Fitness Challenge: If you’re in the city during November, sign up. It’s free, and you might actually end up running next to the Prince.
- Monitor the D33 Agenda: For business owners, the D33 economic goals provide a roadmap for where the money is flowing in Dubai—specifically in green energy and logistics.
- Check out HIPA: If you’re a photographer, the Hamdan International Photography Award (HIPA) is one of the richest photography prizes in the world. It was founded by him to encourage local and global talent.
- Follow the Verified Account: His Instagram (@faz3) is the most direct way to see his daily life, from official meetings to his latest poetry snippets.
Ultimately, the Prince of Dubai is a blend of old-school Bedouin tradition and ultra-modern tech-bro energy. He’s a poet who oversees a military. He’s a skydiver who manages a multibillion-dollar budget. In 2026, he’s the person you need to watch if you want to understand where the Middle East is heading next.
To understand the royal family's impact further, you should look into the specific projects under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which Hamdan is currently overseeing to ensure the city remains "the best place to live in the world."