DUBAI DESIGNATES CROWN PRINCE AND DEPUTY RULER

C O N F I D E N T I A L DUBAI 000057

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

NEA/ARP FOR BAGWELL AND MASILKO

NO FORN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 2/12/2018
TAGS: PGOV PINR AE
SUBJECT: DUBAI DESIGNATES CROWN PRINCE AND DEPUTY RULER

REF: 07 DUBAI 231

CLASSIFIED BY: David Williams, Acting Consul General, Consulate
Dubai, DOS.
REASON: 1.4 (b),(d)




1. (U) Summary: On February 1, 2008, Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid
Al Maktoum (MbR),Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE
and Ruler of Dubai, appointed his second eldest son, Sheikh
Hamdan bin Mohammad Al Maktoum (HbM),Crown Prince of Dubai.
The appointment of the 25-year-old heir apparent was not a
surprise; MbR had been increasing his son's visibility through
high level government assignments and unofficial publicity
campaigns over the past several years. Consolidating the Dubai
government's succession planning, MbR also appointed another
son, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammad Al Maktoum (MbM),as Deputy
Ruler of Dubai. For now, MbM will share responsibilities as
Deputy Ruler with Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. (Hamdan
bin Rashid is MbR's older brother who was named Deputy Ruler of
Dubai in 1995, the same year MbR assumed his role of Crown
Prince. Sheikh Hamden also serves as the UAE Minister of
Finance and Industry). End summary.


2. (C/NF) As mentioned reftel, HbM was born on November 14,
1982 and is MbR's second oldest son by his first official wife,
Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Jumma. MbR's oldest son, Rashid,
does not play a public role in Dubai affairs. (Note: It is
alleged that Rashid killed an assistant in the Ruler's office,
thereby forfeiting his opportunity to be heir. Post believes
MbR has a total of 20 children from both his official and
unofficial wives. End note). HbM graduated from Sandhurst
Royal Military College in 2001 and the following year was
appointed chairman of Dubai Bank.


3. (U) In September 2006, HbM was elevated to the high
visibility role of Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council,
entrusted with overseeing all Dubai government entities and the
completion of the 2015 Dubai Strategic Plan. He is currently
president of the Dubai Sports Council, the Dubai Autism Centre
and the MbR Establishment for Young Business Leaders.


4. (C) Some of HbM's most talked about qualities are his
passions for poetry and sport. The Crown Prince goes by the
poetic pseudonym Fazza', a reference to an Arab knight of
exceptional ethics. His poetry has been turned into popular,
trendy songs, and upon his arrival at public gatherings, young
locals often give him a greeting reminiscent of those western
youths bestow upon their pop idols. He is an enthusiastic
athlete and an avid horseman.


5. (U) HbM's designation as Crown Prince has been warmly
received by Dubai locals, with the local press describing it as
a dynamic move that puts the future of Dubai into the hands of
confident young leaders. The designations were met with great
fanfare, including heavy press coverage, a number of formal
"meet the new leaders" events (including two involving the
diplomatic corps),and the release of 216 inmates from Dubai
prisons as a gesture of goodwill to commemorate the occasion.


6. (C/NF) Post has little information about MbM, HbM's younger,
full brother. MbM was born in 1983, also to Sheikha Hind, and
is a graduate of the American University of Dubai. As chairman
of the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone, he oversaw the
expansion of Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City and Knowledge
Village. He has maintained a relatively low public profile.


7. (C/NF) Comment: As reported reftel, Post has seen little
evidence of HbM's engagement on international political issues
and limited evidence of his true abilities or long-term
political interests. However, with his appointment as Crown
Prince, we anticipate his increased involvement in representing
Dubai on the international stage. End comment.

WILLIAMS