Fujairah’s Sheikh Maktoum Graduates from Sandhurst Academy

Well Done!

Congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamad Al Sharqi who graduated last week (12 August 2011) from England’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS).

Sharing in the significant occasion were his father, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah, his brothers, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah and His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi and a number of sheikhs, dignitaries and diplomats.

Prestigious Training

The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst has been based in Surrey since 1947 and was established to train officers chiefly for the British Army. Approximately 10% of all cadets at the Academy come from overseas and the UAE has a tradition of sending their finest leaders to Sandhurst for training.

The Commissioning Course is taught over 48 weeks and covers military, practical and academic subjects alongside sport and adventure training.

In addition to developing army officers the Academy has the broader aim of being “the national centre of excellence for leadership.”

166^th Sovereign’s Parade

Last Friday’s ceremony was the 166^th Sovereign’s Parade at the Academy and General Sir David Richards, General Chief of the Defence Staff represented Her Majesty the Queen and served as the Reviewing Officer.

The Sovereign Parade is regarded as the “grandest day in the Sandhurst calendar” when family, friends and VIPs gather before the Old College Square to watch the cadets take part in their final challenge. During the ceremony the cadets are commissioned and special medals are awarded.

Paying Tribute

Sheikh Maktoum has publically acknowledged his indebtedness to his “father, teacher and first supporter, His Highness Sheikh Hamad, from whom he has learned leadership, excellence and love of competition.”

Community Leadership

Although based in Sandhurst, Sheikh Maktoum has been intimately involved with the Maktoum Championships which he created and has sponsored for the last four years. This annual sporting competition is one of the biggest tournaments in the UAE and in this and other capacities, Sheikh Maktoum has already done much to encourage a wide diversity of sporting activities throughout Fujairah and the UAE’s East Coast.

Passion Sportsman

Sheikh Maktoum is passionate about sport, especially for the values that competition develops and for the way it brings together people from widely differing backgrounds.

New Technology

Over the years Sheikh Maktoum has exhibited a gift for technology and a desire to communicate using contemporary methods. He has a website and a newly created public Facebook Page which hosts a number of photo albums offering some glimpses into his life and training at the Sandhurst Academy.

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum

Website

Public Facebook Page for Maktoum Al Sharqi مكتوم الشرقي

Public Facebook Page for Maktoum Championships.

Related

Fujairah Celebrates Graduation of Sheikh Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Fujairah in Focus, 30 November 2011.

New Photos of the Fujairah Royal Family, Fujairah in Focus, 30 December 2010.

Graduation of Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Fujairah Observer, June 2008.

Geoff Pound

Check out many more Fujairah news items, photos and videos on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Image: Outside England’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS), His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamad Al Sharqi, in military uniform, with his father, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi (left) and His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi (right). Photo courtesy of the Facebook Page of Maktoum Al Sharqi.