UAE President promotes Sheikh Hamdan to Lieutenant General
Defence leadership recognised with promotion after a pivotal year
DUBAI: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has issued a federal decree promoting His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, to the rank of Lieutenant General.
Sheikh Hamdan also serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
The announcement comes just over a year after Sheikh Hamdan’s Cabinet appointment on July 14, 2024. He was officially sworn in before President Sheikh Mohamed four days later, marking the occasion on Union Pledge Day.
أصدر
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) July 29, 2025
صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن زايد آل نهيان رئيس الدولة القائد الأعلى للقوات المسلحة -حفظه الله- مرسوماً اتحادياً بترفيع سمو الشيخ حمدان بن محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم ولي عهد دبي نائب رئيس مجلس الوزراء وزير الدفاع إلى رتبة فريق أول#وزارة_الدفاع #وزارة_الدفاع_الإماراتية#MOD… pic.twitter.com/DLQxpcYUCE
Sheikh Hamdan’s role in UAE defence
Since assuming his federal role, Sheikh Hamdan has overseen key developments in the UAE’s defence strategy. In February 2025, he represented the country at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX), holding discussions with military leaders from Kazakhstan and Kuwait to enhance bilateral coordination and training. During Ramadan in March, he visited Sweihan Training Centre, where he joined national service recruits for Iftar, commending their commitment and discipline.
In May, Sheikh Hamdan toured Al Dhafra Air Base to review military units and operational readiness. His inspection highlighted the technological evolution of the UAE Air Force and Air Defence, reinforcing the country’s strategic positioning.
A record of public service
Appointed Crown Prince of Dubai in 2008, Sheikh Hamdan previously chaired the Dubai Executive Council from 2006. A graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and the London School of Economics, he has been instrumental in shaping defence, economic, and urban policy.
Widely admired for his cultural engagement, he is known as “Fazza” in literary circles and is a passionate advocate for heritage, sports, and environmental conservation.