But even by the enigmatic standards of Dubai’s ruling family, his fall from grace was as complete as it was swift.
Once the public head of a series of investment houses and businesses, Rashid more or less disappeared from view eight years ago. His replacement as successor to the throne was Hamdan, among whose other qualities is that of being seen as a leading poet in Dubai. Known as “Fazza”, a reference to a legendary Arab knight, Hamdan’s poems have been turned into popular songs and he is often treated more like a pop star than royalty.