The Youthfulness of the UAE—Look at the Crown Princes!

Following the appointment this week of the new Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, a columnist for The National & Emarat Alyoum & founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation, tweeted this comment on Twitter:

“The UAE now has four Crown Princes in their 20's: Dubai, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain & Ras Al Khaimah. Shows you what a youthful country this is.”

This statement was re-tweeted repeatedly in the Twittersphere, indicating not only an agreement with the fact but a joyous appreciation of its truth.

Take a Look
Have a look at this youthful Crown Prince Collage (pictured).

The princely quartet is comprised of these men and the emirates they represent:

+ His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah.

+ His Highness, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saud Bin Rashid Al Mualla, Crown Prince, Umm Al Quwain.

+ His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.

+ His Highness, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

Who’s Who?
Can you work out who’s who? It’s possibly confusing with all the ‘Mohammeds’ and ‘Rashids’!

See how you got on by looking at the names alongside these photos.

On-The-Job Experience
They may be youthful Crown Princes in a youthful country but they are not idle figureheads or mere pinup boys. They each have major responsibilities in their respective emirate and they are getting plenty of on-the-job experience where they are learning the ropes of leadership.

Hands-On Princes
In a recent interview, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his son, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed al Maktoum, gave a fascinating insight into their working relationship.

In this interview by Bloomberg Television in Kentucky after their successful participation in an equestrian endurance race, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed al Maktoum was asked what it had been like to watch the recession affecting Dubai and what he had learned.

The Dubai Crown Prince replied:
“I think it’s a great opportunity to sit with my father and see the decisions that he takes in this difficult time. It helps me a lot for the future and I think it is important for me.”

His father added, “We work together…and he knew what I was going to do because he’s the Crown Prince. He has to be hands-on.”

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Image: “Have a look at this youthful Crown Prince Collage.”