A father's tribute: Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed dedicates poem to Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan on first year as Defence Minister
TL;DR
Sheikh
Mohammed marked Sheikh
Hamdan's first year as Defence Minister with a heartfelt Nabati poem.
The tribute reflects deep mentorship and trust built over two decades.
Sheikh Hamdan
's tenure is defined by defence modernisation and strategic leadership.
The poem blends Emirati tradition with a clear endorsement of future leadership.
A year after Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was entrusted with one of the nation's highest responsibilities, serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
The anniversary was not commemorated with speeches or ceremonies, but rather with something far more intimate, a poem.
Penned by his father, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the tribute was shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. Delivered as a song performed by renowned Emirati singer Eida Al Menhali, the verses echoed pride, trust, and deep paternal admiration, marking not just a year in office, but the enduring bond between father and son, ruler and future leader.
The Tribute, A Father Speaks Through Poetry
On Thursday, July 17, Sheikh Mohammed released a video tribute featuring a poem he had written for Sheikh Hamdan, celebrating his first year as the UAE's Minister of Defence. Rather than a formal speech or written statement, he chose the art form closest to his heart — Nabati poetry, to express the depth of his pride and trust in his son.
The poem, set to music and sung by Eida Al Menhali, opens with the lines:
'The sweetest wishes and the most beautiful songs. I dedicate its meanings to a hopeful man. Today is your day, O one in a million of our time.'
It is both a celebration and a blessing, a poetic declaration of belief in Sheikh Hamdan's leadership qualities and character.
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The verses are carefully composed to reflect not just love, but also confidence in his son's ability to carry the weight of national responsibility.
This form of tribute is not unusual for Sheikh Mohammed. A lifelong poet and cultural custodian of the UAE's literary traditions, he has often turned to poetry to articulate moments of personal and national significance. But this piece, given its timing and emotional undercurrent, stood apart.
It was a father recognizing a turning point, not just in his son's life, but in the future of the country's leadership.
A Relationship Rooted in Legacy and Leadership
The poetic tribute also reflects the depth of the relationship between Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan, one built over nearly two decades of mentorship, trust, and shared governance. Sheikh Hamdan, the second son of Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum, was appointed Crown Prince of Dubai in 2008, a clear signal of his father's long-standing confidence in his leadership potential.
Even before that, he had been serving as Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council since 2006, leading initiatives in digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and public sector innovation.
His rise has been marked by both formal preparation and hands-on experience, from graduating from Sandhurst Military Academy in 2001 and studying at the London School of Economics, to active roles in shaping Dubai's transformation and now, national strategy.
His appointment in July 2024 as Minister of Defence was not a sudden leap, but a natural next step in a carefully guided path toward federal leadership.
The bond between father and son extends beyond official duties. Frequently seen together at state events and cultural gatherings, they project a shared vision rooted in continuity and mutual respect. In that light, Sheikh Mohammed's poetic description of Sheikh Hamdan as 'one in a million of our time' feels especially apt, capturing not only a father's pride, but a leader's trust in the next generation to carry forward the legacy.
One Year in Office, A Vision in Action
Sheikh Hamdan assumed the role of Minister of Defence on July 18, 2024, shortly after being officially named to the post on July 14 by his father. Backed by the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the appointment signaled a new phase in the nation's approach to defence and strategic affairs.
In just one year, Sheikh Hamdan has introduced a forward-thinking vision to the UAE's defence apparatus. His leadership has emphasised:
Modernisation of the Defence Sector
Sheikh Hamdan spearheaded the transformation of the UAE's military capabilities by prioritising AI-enabled decision-making, home-grown defence manufacturing, and upgrading ground systems, notably through inspections at Zayed Military City and the modernization of military education.
Regional and International Defence Diplomacy
He led the UAE delegation at the 21st GCC Joint Defence Council and inaugurated IDEX 2025, promoting the UAE as a regional hub for defence innovation and manufacturing.
Strategic Leadership and Operational Readiness
With 33 defence-related engagements out of 131 total in his first year, he demonstrated hands-on leadership, including combat-readiness reviews at mountain infantry battalions and chairing the Defence Council's 2025 strategy session.
Integration of National Security and Innovation
Sheikh Hamdan pushed a vision linking security and sustainable development, engaging tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, and
TikTok
, and championing advanced technologies in defence and governance.
Accessible, People-Centric Leadership
His leadership style combined formality with approachability, from attending military iftars and community weddings to holding policy meetings in informal settings like the Emirates First-Class Lounge.
In just one year, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has reshaped the UAE's defence landscape with a strategic, modern, and people-focused approach. Appointed on July 18, 2024, he moved swiftly from symbolism to substance, Since his appointment on July 18, 2024, he has brought fresh energy, clarity of purpose, and a modern outlook to one of the nation's most critical ministries. With 131 official engagements, 33 of them directly defence-related, his tenure reflects a leadership style rooted in discipline, vision, and accessibility.
As his father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, affirmed in a heartfelt poem marking the anniversary, Sheikh Hamdan stands as a bold and trusted representative of the next generation, ready to lead, serve, and shape the future.
The Dubai Ruler's Lifelong Bond with Poetry
To understand the full significance of Sheikh Mohammed's poetic tribute, one must also understand his deep-rooted love for poetry itself. A passionate writer of Nabati verse, a form of traditional Emirati oral poetry, Sheikh Mohammed has long used poetry as a means of communication, reflection, and legacy-building.
He began writing poetry in his youth, inspired by classical Arabic poets and the stories of the desert. His works often explore themes of leadership, love, heritage, and the enduring spirit of the UAE. Collections such as
'Poems from the Desert'
have been widely published and celebrated across the Arab world.
This poetic tradition is not merely artistic; it is cultural, historical, and deeply personal. In previous years, Sheikh Mohammed has dedicated poems to other family members, including Sheikh Maktoum.
Each poem becomes a part of the nation's evolving narrative, a blend of personal sentiment and public philosophy.
That Sheikh Mohammed chose to honour Sheikh Hamdan's first anniversary as Minister of Defence through poetry, rather than a speech or decree, is telling. It reflects his belief in the power of language, the importance of heritage, and the role of art in expressing leadership ideals.
FAQs:
Q. Who is Sheikh Hamdan and what role does he hold?
He is the Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence since July 2024.
Q. Why did Sheikh Mohammed write a poem for Sheikh Hamdan?
To mark the first anniversary of his appointment and publicly express pride, trust, and the deep father-son bond.
Q. What is Nabati poetry and why is it significant here?
Nabati is traditional Emirati poetry; Sheikh Mohammed uses it to celebrate heritage and leadership meaningfully.
Q. What has Sheikh Hamdan achieved in his first year as Defence Minister?
He has driven military modernisation, promoted regional cooperation, and integrated cutting-edge technology.
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