A year on: Sheikh Hamdan’s visionary leadership reshapes UAE’s Defence strategy

Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai completes one year as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE on July 18, 2025, marking a pivotal milestone in the country’s evolving defence and leadership landscape.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, officially named Sheikh Hamdan as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense on July 14, 2024. He took the ministerial oath on July 18, stepping into a role that has since seen him drive a new era of mmodernisation regional cooperation, and strategic foresight.

His appointment was not just symbolic of a generational shift. It was wise move by the UAE leadership to reinforce defence capabilities while investing in innovation, technology, and future-ready leadership.

Jointly endorsed by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the appointment positioned Sheikh Hamdan at the helm of one of the nation’s top institutions.

Fesh energy

In the 12 months since assuming office, Sheikh Hamdan has brought fresh energy and purpose to the Ministry of Defense. At 41, he combines a forward-looking mindset with proven governance experience, having led transformative initiatives in Dubai related to digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and public sector excellence.

His first address to military officials in July 2024 set the tone for what would follow. He praised the UAE Armed Forces as a “global model of organisation and excellence” and eemphasised his deep commitment to strengthening national sovereignty and unity.

Throughout the year, Sheikh Hamdan maintained an active and strategic presence. From inspecting advanced ground systems at Zayed Military City in January to chairing the Defense Council’s 2025 kickoff meeting, his agenda reflected a consistent focus on readiness, modernisation of military education, and development of a robust, home-grown defence industry.

Defence diplomacy

The UAE’s international defence diplomacy also took centre stage under his leadership. In February 2025, Sheikh Hamdan inaugurated IDEX 2025, the world-renowned defence exhibition, positioning the UAE not just as a consumer but as a regional hub for defence innovation and manufacturing. His keynote underscored a foundational belief that has guided his tenure: national security and sustainable development are inseparable.

He carried that philosophy to the 21st GCC Joint Defense Council meeting in Doha, where he led the UAE’s delegation in advancing deeper regional military cooperation.

Over the past year, the Ministry of Defence has pivoted under his guidance to embrace 21st-century capabilities, AI-enabled decision-making, and domestic innovation while remaining rooted in professionalism, discipline, and institutional excellence.

Foward looking

Over the past year, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed stood out as a leader who is present, forward-looking, and genuinely connected to the people he serves.

With 131 official engagements over the past year, 33 of them directly related to defense, the journey reflects the spirit of a leader who is young, dynamic, and deeply committed to national progress. His international agenda also included six official visits, with notable destinations such as Qatar, Oman, India, Uzbekistan, Kuwait, and two visits to Qatar.

A leader in every arena

Whether inspecting the progress of housing projects in Al Khawaneej or launching the groundbreaking high-speed rail link between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan has shown himself to be a hands-on visionary leader. His visit to the mountain infantry battalion to review combat readiness reflects his firm commitment to operational excellence and national security.

An unconventional and human-centric leader

Sheikh Hamdan’s leadership style is defined by its unique, unorthodox nature. From hosting a meeting with top government officials at Emirates’ First-Class Lounge, to participating in the Dubai Camp, to informal encounters like meeting Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed at Dubai Mall or Amazon CEO Andy Jassy at a casual restaurant in Jumeirah, he redefines leadership accessibility.

His human-centered approach is also evident in his social interactions, such as attending community weddings, visiting injured soldiers, and breaking fast with border guards in Hatta.

Future-focused

Sheikh Hamdan has actively engaged with tech giants like TikTok, Microsoft, Meta, and CNN, positioning Dubai and the UAE at the forefront of the digital and AI revolution. He has also hosted nontraditional scientific and intellectual lectures at his majlis, inviting experts, government leaders, and the private sector to explore topics ranging from space and history to healthy lifestyles and modern industries, including an insightful session with Professor Roy Casagranda.

Balancing his federal role with his responsibilities in Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan participated in over 120 distinct activities. These include attending the UAE Annual Government Meetings, reviewing investment attraction initiatives, visiting reserve forces, meeting the UAE President at Qasr Al Bahr, and overseeing the strategic agreement between the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre and U.S.-based Firefly Aerospace.