Marwan al Maktoum, the eldest son of the ruler of Dubai. Sad news about the Arab prince Hamdan bin Mohammed Rashid Al

Everyone knows that the ruler of the emirate of Dubai and the vice-president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Said al Maktoum, has many children and wives.

Sheikh Muhammad

Nobody, except the sheikh, probably knows the exact number. I will not dare to assert any numbers. More than 20 officially recognized children - that's for sure. Two well-known wives: Sheikh Hind al Maktoum - the main wife, mother of twelve children, whom no one photographed, and the youngest - Princess Haya of Jordan, mother of two, whom we all know well.

Prince Hamdan, the second son of Sheikh Mohammed and Hind, has been declared the official heir to the emirate. The eldest son Rashid was removed from inheritance for some reason, whether he was rude to his dad, or he loves women too much, it is not known. However, it turned out that this is not entirely true.

There is very little information on the Internet. But the members of the Maktum family themselves are extremely active in social networks, almost all the children of the sheikh have their own accounts, which they constantly update. Many have something in common. Actually, it was only thanks to this that we managed to learn something.

It is known for certain that Muhammad's first-born, daughter, Sheikh Manal, was born in 1977. Presumably from a Lebanese wife. She is happily married, she has children, a million photos with all her relatives on the network. But it's not about her.

In 1979, the sheikh married his 17-year-old cousin and, at the same time, second cousin, Sheikh Hind al Maktoum.

Lyrical digression: it is not known when she received the title of the main / senior wife, but she is definitely not the first (these are different concepts).

On Arab forums, the Dubai people themselves (mostly women, of course) explain that since a child has the title of Sheikh or Sheikh, this means that Sheikh Mohammed definitely married the child's mother, even if then quickly divorced. I suspect this is some kind of law in the Emirates, because a Muslim does not have to get married in order to officially recognize a child. Maybe it's just the status of a sheikh for a child. I do not know . Just in case, I will call everyone wives.

So before Hind there was a Lebanese wife, mother Manal.

In March 1980, Sheikh Maitha was born to the sheikh from a Moroccan wife, you have seen her many times, this is the same famous athlete. And she participates always and everywhere, and carried the UAE flag at the London Olympics, and won a lot of things.

At the time of Maita's birth, Sheikh Hind is already pregnant with her first child and in November 1980 gives birth to her daughter Hessa. With her, too, everything is in order, married, children, everything is fine.

But the sheikh still has no son. And, at the moment when Hind was wearing Hessa, the sheikh starts a relationship with what is rumored to be a German girl. In any case, the girl was of a North European type. And in March 1981 she gave birth to a boy.

The long-awaited son of an Arab dad turned out to be unusual. They named him Marwan. One of the traditional names in the Maktum clan. Sheikh Marwan bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Said al Maktoum. Which literally means "Sheikh Marwan, son of Muhammad, son of Rashid, son of Said from the Maktum family." The name is also the pedigree. The sheikh recognized the boy because his name is on all the lists of the sheikh's official children.

In August 1981, the Sheikh's Moroccan wife gave birth to her second daughter, Shamsa. And only in November 1981, Hind gave birth to a son, Rashid. So he is the second son of Sheikh Mohammed, not the first, as they say everywhere.

There are no photos of Marwan on my father's site. The other seven sons are, but Marwan is not. I think this is due to the fact that he is not an Arab, even though he is a Muslim. And also with his appearance. Painfully different from everyone else.

I want to draw your attention to the fact that many people confuse the son of a sheikh with the son of his second cousin, they are almost complete namesakes, the name is only different in the fourth generation. And they rarely write until the fourth. So, the man in the photo below is not the same Marwan! It is easy to check on his page, where a man constantly uploads photos of his real father and brothers.

Also Marwan, also a sheikh, but a second cousin's nephew, not the son of the ruler.

At the moment, Marwan al Maktoum lives in London. He is married to Dalal al Marzougi, a girl from a very old and wealthy sultan family who ruled for a thousand years right across the bay from Dubai, now Iran. The wife has been a development director for a large oil company for many years.

They have two sons, Mohammed and Rashid (in honor of their father and grandfather). These are the first male grandchildren of Sheikh Mohammed !! The rest of the sons have no children yet, only daughters.

Marwan served in the Dubai Army. He visits the emirate periodically. Communicates with relatives. It's a pity, the photo is not enough. Not a single one with my father adult photo I have not found.

Sheikh Marwan is a cut taller and more than all relatives. He is blond with blue eyes!

Marwan with grandfather Rashid, cousin and dad

with dad Muhammad

In the army. 1990.

with Hamdan

Khalid bin Maktoum with Sheikh Marwan's cousin.

In Mecca in 2013

11/10/14 Sheikh Marwan and his eldest son Muhammad

The love story of a simple girl and a prince is a classic storyline for fairy tales and has been popular since time immemorial, so not only little girls, but also mature women dream of marrying a handsome, rich and intelligent “prince on a white horse”. And miracles happen, the main thing is to know where to look for him, this prince. We present to your attention the five most beautiful and richest heirs of the Muslim world.

1. Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Son of the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, the ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum and his wife sheikh Hind bint Maktum bin Juma al-Maktum... Sheikh Hamdan is a very popular person in the United Arab Emirates. He received an excellent education in Great Britain, graduating from the Army Military School at Sandhurst, as well as the London College of Economics and the Dubai College of Administration. The sheikh gained popularity for his charitable activities: the prince directly supervises a number of foundations that organize fundraising for the treatment of seriously ill children.

Sheikh Hamdan belongs to the al-Maktoum dynasty and officially holds the position of head of the Dubai Executive Council, that is, heads the government of the Emirate of Dubai, but he has time for numerous hobbies. Born on Valentine's Day, the prince is fond of romantic poetry, has the creative pseudonym Fazza and even publishes collections of poetry. He loves Sheikh Hamdan and horse riding, has a large collection of Arabian horses and regularly takes part in numerous equestrian competitions.

The Crown Prince is not married, but alas, even before he was born, he was engaged to a maternal relative. However, do not be upset - no one can forbid the sheikh to have as many wives as he wants!

2. Crown Prince of Jordan Hussein bin Abdullah

Crown Prince of Jordan Hussein bin Abdullah Eldest child of the king Abdullah II and queens Rania, 20-year-old crown prince Hussein bin Abdullah since 2009 he is the heir to the throne in the Kingdom of Jordan. Belongs to the Hashemite dynasty.

In 2007, the prince entered the Royal Academy in Madaba, then, as usual, went to study in the West, and is currently studying political science in Washington, at the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. In addition to his native Arabic, the Prince of Jordan is fluent in three foreign languages: English, French and Hebrew.

Hussein bin Abdallah is involved in charity work, runs a fund to support the development of science among youth, and also has a number of hobbies, including football and collecting motorcycles.

Despite the fact that Jordan is a country with a higher level of publicity and more "Western" values \u200b\u200bthan the neighboring UAE and Saudi Arabia, there is no publicly available information about the personal life of the heir to the throne, it is only known that he is not yet married.

3. Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnun al-Nahyan

Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnun al Nahyan Son of the President of the United Arab Emirates Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, sheikh Sultan bin Tahnun al-Nahyan is a member of the oldest ruling dynasty of Abu Dhabi - al-Nahyan... He received his BA from UAE University with a degree in Engineering and Architecture, then studied international relationships at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Massachusetts, USA.

Sheikh Sultan oversees many issues of national importance. He is engaged in investments in the development of sports, architecture, and also serves as the head of the Development Committee Eastern region... In addition, he controls the work of state charitable foundations, as well as a large number of organizations dealing with cultural heritage issues.

Sheikh's many hobbies include sports, art collecting and travel.

There is no information about the personal life of Sheikh Sultan either on the Internet or in the media.

4. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani

Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Sixth son of the former ruling emir of Qatar Hamad bin Khalifa and the fifth son of his second wife - sheikhs Moza bint Nasser al-Misned, sheikh Mohammed is a representative of another major dynasty of the Arab world, the ruling family of Qatar - al-Thani.

He studied at the Qatar Academy, received a BA from the Diplomatic School of the Georgetown University Branch in Qatar, and an MBA from Harvard University. Sheikh Mohammed is fluent in Arabic, English and French.

According to the laws of the Arab monarchies, the eldest son of the ruler of the state is considered the crown prince, so Mohammed, being the sixth son of the emir, most likely will never become the head of Qatar. But this does not mean that the younger children of the rulers do not take part in the management of state affairs. Usually, the children of emirs hold positions in the cabinet of ministers or lead numerous committees overseeing issues of state importance. This happened with Sheikh Mohammed. A former captain of the Qatar equestrian team, he is very passionate about sports, therefore he is directly involved in the leadership of the Committee for the preparation for the World Cup, which is to be held in Qatar in 2022.

According to unconfirmed reports, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani is not married.

5. Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani

Sheikh Jasim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Sheikh's brother Mohammed al-Thani (not only by father, but also by mother), sheikh Jasimis definitely included in the list of the most handsome Arab men. By the way, the appearance of two brothers in our today's rating al-Thani not surprising. The fact is that their mother is rightfully considered one of beautiful women the Muslim world. Sheikh Moza bint Nasser al-Misned - the second wife of the former emir of Qatar is reputed not only as a beauty and style icon, but also as a very gifted politician who takes a hidden, but quite considerable participation in many state issues. And therefore it is not at all surprising that such an attractive and gifted children were born to such a woman.

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani was the Crown Prince of Qatar from 1996 to 2003, but later, realizing that he was unfit for this role, gave up the status of heir in favor of the younger brother, the current Emir of Qatar. Tamim al-Thani.

He was educated at the British Royal Academy in Sandhurst, then returned to his homeland and took up charity work. He is now Honorary President of the Qatar National Cancer Society (QNCS) and is also responsible for environmental issues.

Unfortunately, Sheikh Jasim has already chosen his first wife. She was a representative of the same dynasty, a sheikh Butaina bint Ahmad al-Thani, daughter of the sheikh Hamada bin Ali al-Thani... The couple already have three children. But as we know

Athlete-runner, horse owner, poet, heir to the royal family, son of Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum, Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed al-Maktoum is shrouded in an enviable halo of power, fabulous wealth and romance. Sheikh Hamdan, Chairman of Dubai City Council, President of the Sports Committee of the Emirate of Dubai, Patron Emeritus of the Dubai Autism Research Center and Youth Business Support League, has long been an eligible fiancé who remains free for now. Will anyone get this handsome man, or does his heart have a place for only one passion - horses?

Roots and branches

Sheikh Hamdan is one of twenty-three (and growing!) Children of Sheikh Mohammed, Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates and head of the Emirate of Dubai from the al-Maktoum dynasty. It is quite easy to understand the intricacies of the family tree of the Arab rulers. The Maktum clan originates from the Bani Yas tribe group that inhabited the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The dynasty itself is already 180 years old, since its founder Sheikh Maktoum bin Butta founded his own emirate in the Dubai Creek in 1833. Currently, the ruling dynasty is continued by Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum, who in 2006 became the tenth ruler of Dubai. On this moment Sheikh has nine sons and fourteen daughters. Mohammed is married to Hind bint Maktoum, who is the mother of twelve children, including Sheikh Hamdan. The sheikh's second wife was the famous (primarily in the world of equestrian sports) Jordanian princess Haya bint al-Hussein, who in 2007 gave birth to a girl Al-Jalil to Mohammed, and in January 2012, a son, Zayed. Thus, Sheikh Hamdan is the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Dubai and the stepson of Princess Haya.

In the spirit of tradition

Hamdan al-Maktoum was born on November 13, 1982. Despite the fact that from the very birth of the prince was surrounded by incredible luxury, he was brought up in the spirit of traditional values. “My father, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, is my life guide. I always continue to learn from him, and his experience helps me in solving many strategic issues. My mother, Sheikha Hind, is a true example of a loving and caring mother. She raised me in an atmosphere of absolute love and affection and still supports me, despite the fact that I have already grown. I will never forget my mother's deep dedication and kindness. I have great respect for her and I think that any society where mothers are not appreciated is dishonest and worthless, says the prince. - I enjoyed a peaceful childhood surrounded by my family and was raised in an environment that allowed me to fulfill my purpose in life and reflect on the greatness of God. The beauty of the desert gave me a sense of harmony and helped me to merge with nature - so I was able to develop my poetic gift, and with the help of my father I got a chance to make the impossible possible. "

Hamdan bin Mohammed AL-MAKTUM on YAMAMAH

School years are wonderful ...

Sheikh Hamdan began his studies at the Sheikh Rashid Private High School in Dubai, modeled on the English model. By the way, it was founded in 1986 by Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al-Maktoum, so that the boy did not seem to leave the bosom of the family. The young man continued his studies at the Faculty of Public Administration at the Dubai Government School, and then went to the UK. There he became a student and then a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (which, by the way, Prince Harry graduated from, younger son British Prince Charles and Princess Diana). Later, Sheikh Hamdan attended specialized courses at the London School of Economics and finally, armed with knowledge, returned to his native Emirates. " School days and college was the most wonderful period of my life, and I still remember my peers and friends. A military academy such as Sandhurst teaches not only the basic disciplines, but teaches virtue, responsibility and commitment to one's country. These are very important values \u200b\u200bthat people need both in everyday lifeand at the state level, when they are entrusted with serious responsibilities. "

From his father, Sheikh Mohammed (left), Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed will inherit power over one

from the richest and most influential regions in the Middle East

The sands of Time

Even from the prince's statements, one can see that he is a romantic nature - Hamdan is also known as a talented poet. He publishes his poems under the pseudonym Fuzza. “Fuzza represents my poetic personality and personality. This word in the Emirati dialect means a person who selflessly rushes to help all those who are in trouble. My poetry can fill people's hearts with happiness and help ease their suffering. I was deeply impressed by my father's fascination with poetry, and I also had the chance to meet many poets who helped me to identify and develop my own style... WITH early years my father listened to my poems and gently advised me in which direction to move on. " Once at a press conference, the prince was asked why he chose such a pseudonym for himself. Hamdan replied that he once met in the desert with an old man whose car was stuck in the sand. He helped to get the car out and was about to leave, not waiting for words of gratitude, but then the old man called out to him and said: "You are Fuzza." The prince liked this nickname so much that it became his second name and a poetic pseudonym. Hamdan's poems are mostly romantic and patriotic and, of course, many are dedicated to his main hobby - horses.

What is my horse to me ...

What is my horse to me? My strength and courage

This is my essence, my blood flesh.

I wanted to soar into the sky more than once or twice

Or fall backward, tearing your anger apart.

You held me down, and the bridle, like rags,

Remained in the hand, as if the heart was in pieces!

I burned and dared, a sultry prairie hunter,

The horse flew like an arrow, whiskey ached.

What is my horse to me? My prowess and agility

The pride of my ancestors, their victories in battles.

My Arabian horse gave me the skill

Passion to the faithful heart, fearless shine in the eyes!

On the wings of the wind

“I come from a family that loves horses,” the prince admits. - There is a strong spiritual connection between me and the world of equestrian sports, which is a huge part of my life. I ride a horse whenever the opportunity presents itself, because it gives me a sense of absolute freedom. " Like many members of the al-Maktoum family, Hamdan is not only excellent in the saddle, but also professionally engaged in equestrian sports. He has his own stable, where he breeds thoroughbred riding and Arabian horses, and takes part in competitions in distance equestrian races. The prince performs very, very successfully: in his asset, basically, first and second places in tournaments with the highest distance of 160 km. His main horses are Ainhoa \u200b\u200bAksom, Intisar and Yamamah.

The list of Hamdan's victories is endless - for example, he won four tournaments in a row (all of which he took part in) at a distance of 120 km in 2014. The main achievement of the prince is the team gold at the Summer Asian Games in 2006 and the gold medal at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy (160 km), which he won in August this year on the purebred Arabian mare Yamamaha (which is translated from Arabic as “small dove"). “The route was extremely difficult technically,” says the prince. “In addition, the weather and high humidity made it worse. We had to make sure that the horse was well protected from the weather all the time. It is not surprising that the number of those who could simply finish was small for a championship of this level. " 165 athletes from 47 countries took part in the tournament. At first, a team from the UAE took the lead, but by the end of the third lap, only one representative of this team remained on the route - Sheikh Hamdan. Many participants in the tournament were injured on the course, and the horse of a rider from Costa Rica tragically died on the route from a collision with a tree. So this victory, indeed, was not easy for the prince and once again confirmed his high sports level.

Prince Hamdan AL-MAKTUM

with his potential fiancée Kalila SAID

Adrenaline rush

The prince is not afraid of danger - on the contrary, he chases adrenaline in all possible ways. He is engaged in extreme sports - jumping with a parachute, flying a JETLEV-FLYER jetpack (which rises into the air on giant jets of water) and an Xcitor paralet, rides across the Persian Gulf on water scooters and skis, and dives with scuba diving. Hamdan also loves to travel: for example, he visited Africa, where he met with aborigines and hunted lions with a photographic gun, and in Russia, where he participated in falconry. “I swim regularly and just walk a lot at any time of the day,” says the prince. “I also play football sometimes, but still my business does not allow me to get very involved in this sport.”

Marry a prince

The love question is still open: in his thirties (on November 14, he celebrates his 32nd birthday), the prince is not yet married. The sheikh's personal life has been the subject of countless speculations over the years - no wonder, because the prince is a "tidbit" for thousands of girls. It was said that from birth he was engaged to a maternal relative, Sheikh al-Maktoum, but at the same time very closely communicated with another distant relative (whose name is unknown) from 2008 to 2013. The relationship ended in January 2013 (the arranged marriage was immediately canceled for reasons that were not made public) when the prince met a new love. Hamdan fell in love so much that very soon he announced his engagement. His chosen one was Kalila Said, a 23-year-old refugee from Palestine who grew up in the slums of an Arab metropolis. The young people met while working on a charity project in one of the disadvantaged areas of the capital. The girl cannot be called a money hunter: the prince had to seek her attention for more than three months before she agreed to go on a date, but soon the couple became inseparable. According to rumors circulating in the country, Sheikh Mohammed was not very happy with the choice of the prince and even threatened to deprive his son of his inheritance, but to no avail. The young man chose love, as a result of which the father reconsidered his position, resigned himself and, it seems, even gave the couple his blessing. However, fans of Hamdan should not despair: in the UAE, the sheikh has the right to have as many wives as he wishes. So, according to rumors, Hamdan's father, Sheikh Mohammed, has about five wives (hence so many children), and the world knows only two, and Hamdan's brother, Prince Said Al-Maktum, also married a girl of low origin, an Azerbaijani woman, Natalya Aliyeva. She worked as a waiter in Belarus (where they met), and in the UAE she became Princess Aisha Al Maktoum.

Favorite of the people

In September 2006, Hamdan al-Maktoum was appointed chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, where he was tasked with overseeing the emirate's government facilities. It was thanks to him that the "Strategic Plan for Dubai until 2015" was put forward. As President, Sheikh Hamdan has chaired the Dubai Sports Council, the Dubai Autism Center, and the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Institute of Young Business Leaders. Despite his fame and billionaire fortune, the prince remains very modest - he is actively involved in charity work, personally oversees several funds for helping children and animals. “The fact that I am the son of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid does not give me the unconditional right to relinquish my duties,” says Hamdan. “On the contrary, I feel that my brothers and I have a responsibility to be more responsible and should take any work as seriously as possible. From my point of view, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed is the ideal head of the family who always strives to make time for everyone, despite enormous concerns. At the same time, he teaches us that we must always remain close to the people. "

Until now, the cause of the mysterious death of 33-year-old Sheikh Rashid remains shrouded in mystery. Recall that the eldest son of the ruler of Dubai Sheikh Rashid Ibn Mohammed Al Maktoum passed away at the age of 33. According to media reports, on September 19, 2015, Sheikh Rashid, who had a reputation as a handsome playboy with a brilliant future, died at home as a result of a sudden heart attack.

Despite the fact that the official version of his death is myocardial infarction, rumors have long circulated in the United Arab Emirates that the young Sheikh Rashid abused drugs and, because of his addiction, repeatedly ended up in a rehabilitation center. In 2008, he was stripped of his legal title of Crown Prince of Dubai.

IN last years, especially before his death, Sheikh Rashid somehow quietly and quietly moved away from social life and went into the shadows, while becoming one of the most mysterious influential figures in the emirate of Dubai. His father, Sheikh Mohammed ibn Rashid al-Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, had only two wives and 24 children. With his efforts, he turned the nondescript and mediocre emirate into a dazzling modern metropolis and a world high-tech and tourism center.

There are many versions of the death of the 33-year-old sheikh of Dubai. For example, Iranian information Agency Fars said that Rashid did not die of a "sudden heart attack," as the official statement says, but during the fighting in Yemen. Iranian media unanimously claim that Sheikh Rashid ibn Mohammed al-Maktoum and several other UAE military personnel were killed in artillery shelling by rebel forces in the Yemeni province of Marib. Inaccurate information about the death of the Crown Prince of Dubai as a result of a heart attack was published in order to mislead the residents of the United Arab Emirates, who are in favor of the withdrawal of troops from Yemen.

Another version of the prince's death in the form of a diplomatic message, published on the Wikileaks website. It contains a fascinating description of the events that actually took place in the palace and were carefully hidden from prying eyes. A certain diplomat of one of western countries shared information that Sheikh Rashid lost his title of Crown Prince of Dubai and all prospects of legal power due to the fact that, allegedly in a state of passion, he killed his father's assistant. Although the assistant's name and surname are not mentioned anywhere, analysts have suggested that the murder was committed as a result of a fit of anger provoked by steroids.

Another information leak provided by a diplomat from Saudi Arabia, suggests that drugs and massive sex orgies are common in the palace of the ruler of Dubai, as well as in the emirate of Dubai as a whole. However, access to such events is open only to wealthy Arabs.

If we weigh the pros and cons, analysts agree that the heart attack that cut short the life of 33-year-old Sheikh Rashid is nothing more than a beautiful excuse that does not tarnish the Sheikh's reputation.

In Dubai, one of the key emirates in the UAE, there is mourning. Sheikh Rashid ibn Mohammed al-Maktoum, the eldest son of Mohammed ibn Rashid al-Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, and concurrently the second most influential person in the United Arab Emirates, the prime minister, vice president and minister of defense of the country, has died. Sheikh Rashid died of a heart attack, one and a half months before his 34 years old. His younger brother and Crown Prince Hamdan wrote: “Today I lost my best friend and childhood companion, dear brother Rashid. We will miss you. " "Lenta.ru" tried to figure out what became famous for the eldest son of the Dubai Emir.

Rashid (center) with his father (right) and brother Ahmed, 2006. Photo: Ahmed Jadallah / ReutersBy British standard About Rashid's childhood and youth, little is known: at that time there was no Instagram, and the Arab emirs and their heirs had not yet acquired the habit of spreading scenes of rich life with geotags for everyone to see.

Rashid is the emir's eldest son by his eldest and main wife Hind bint Maktum and, accordingly, the stepson of the second wife of the emir, the Jordanian princess Hayi bint al-Hussein. The children of Mohammed and Hind, according to the recollections of their brother Rashid Hamdan, were brought up in the spirit of traditional values.

In Dubai, the heir graduated from the Sheikh Rashid School for Boys - training there was conducted according to the English model. After that, his father sent Rashid to Great Britain - to the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, where Arab sheikhs traditionally give their children (the current emir of Qatar, the king of Bahrain, the sultans of Brunei and Oman graduated from it).

Disinherited

Rashid ibn Mohammed was preparing to become his father's successor: the emir introduced him to the course of state affairs and entrusted him with control over various economic projects. But on February 1, 2008, everything suddenly changed: the younger brother of Rashid, the second son of Sheikh Mohammed, Hamdan, was appointed the crown prince of Dubai. His younger brother Maktoum was promoted to deputy ruler of Dubai. The eldest son of the emir officially abdicated the throne, and moreover: there was no place for him at all among the leadership of the emirate.

This step, however, can only be called unexpected: long before the emir's decree, diplomats and Arab experts noticed that Hamdan is increasingly appearing in front of cameras next to his father, and the emirate's press is writing about him more and more often. What happened, why Rashid was out of work?

The publication of the WikiLeaks documents provided some clarity on this issue. Among the promulgated dispatches there is a telegram from the US Consul General in Dubai, David Williams, in which he informs about the change in the order of inheritance and its reasons. Without disclosing his sources, Williams reported that Rashid killed one of the workers in the emir's palace, this angered the sheikh, and he revised the line of succession.

Three sons of the emir: from left to right - Hamdan, Rashid, Maktum. Photo: Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Facebook Consolation with Sports A PR campaign in the emirate and around the world paid off, with the new Crown Prince Hamdan quickly becoming a press darling. Diver and parachutist, falconry lover, keeping lions and white tigers in his menagerie, snowboarder and poet, writing under the pseudonym Fazza. An excellent rider, a repeated winner of equestrian competitions, the owner of expensive cars and yachts - Hamdan ibn Mohammed willingly demonstrates all this luxury on his Instagram account. Hamdan is known as a philanthropist and philanthropist who generously distributes donations to disabled and sick children, as well as one of the most eligible suitors in the world. Delighted fans gave him the nickname - "Aladdin".

Against this background, his older brother Rashid looked rather pale (especially considering the difference in their capital - less than two billion dollars of Rashid versus 18 billion Hamdan), and he does not have an Instagram account. Although it cannot be said that the press did not indulge him with their attention. Since 2005, he has consistently been included in the list of "20 Sexiest Arab Men" for five years in a row, in 2010, Esquire magazine recognized him as "one of the 20 most eligible persons of royal blood," persons of royal blood ".

Having lost the right to the throne, Rashid ibn Mohammed focused on sports. The entire al-Maktoum family is famous for their love of horses, and Rashid is no exception. He owned the racing corporation Zabeel Racing International, and has won various competitions both in the UAE and abroad. In total, he won 428 medals. The pinnacle of sporting achievements of Rashid ibn Mohammed - two gold medals at the Asian Games in Doha in 2006. From 2008 to 2010, Rashid was even president of the UAE Olympic Committee, but left this post, as he explained, due to lack of time.

Scandal in a noble family

Arab sheikhs try not to make their internal affairs public, but sometimes, when the traditional values \u200b\u200bof oil emirs collide with European realities, leaks happen. So it happened with Rashid.

In 2011, a black employee from the staff of the British palace of Emir Olantunji Faleye appealed to a British court. He claimed to have been discriminated against on racial and religious grounds: the members of the sheikh's family addressed him as "al-abd al-aswad" - "black slave", and repeatedly insulted Christianity (Faleye - Anglican), calling it "bad, low and disgusting by faith ”, convincing his“ black slave ”to convert to Islam.

During the hearing, another employee of the service was summoned to the court as a witness - Ejil Mohammed Ali, who, among other things, under oath, announced that Sheikh Rashid was a drug addict who had recently undergone a rehabilitation course.

However, it is unlikely that such scandals can shake the reputation of the royal house of Dubai, which is investing millions of dollars in its PR in the media and social networks. Judging by the number of responses on Rashid's Facebook page, many people, including from the poorest countries in the world, perceive the passing of the eldest son of the Dubai Emir as a personal tragedy.