Children and a photograph of Arab sheikhs. Wives and daughters of Arab sheikhs - without a veil and a hijab

Officially, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Commander-in-Chief of the UAE Armed Forces.

In fact, the emir of Abu Dhabi, the president of the UAE.

Third son of Sheikh Zayed. An interesting point is that he and Khalifa are stepbrothers. Khalifa was born to his first wife, Hassa bint Mohammed ibn Khalifa. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed was born to his third wife, Fatima bint Mubarak Al-Ketbi.

Sheikhini Fatima bint-Mubarak Al-Ketbi had only 6 sons: Mohammed, Hamdan, Hazza, Tanun, Mansur and Abdullah. They are called "Bani Fatima" or "sons of Fatima" and form the most powerful bloc in the Al Nahyan family.

The sons of Fatima have always been influential, some political scientists even assign them a leading role in the changes in Abu Dhabi that have taken place since 2004. They received full power only in 2014, when Sheikh Khalifa had a stroke. Now it is difficult to say whether the vector of their domestic and foreign policy will change. Wait and see.

Mohammed bin Zayed went to school in Al Ain, then in Abu Dhabi. Entered Sandhurst Academy (UK) in 1979. Trained in military skills of piloting a helicopter, driving armored vehicles, parachuting. After returning from England, he underwent military training in Sharjah, became an officer in the UAE Armed Forces.

He was an officer in the Amiri Guards (an elite unit), a pilot in the UAE Air Force, and eventually became the Commander-in-Chief of the UAE Armed Forces.

In 2003, he was proclaimed the second Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. After the death of his father on November 2, 2004, he became crown prince. Since December 2004, Chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, member of the Supreme Petroleum Council.

So far, world leaders and political scientists are eyeing Sheikh Mohammed. It is known that he believes that the UAE should play a much larger role in world politics. He loves falconry, like his father. He is interested in poetry and writes poetry himself in the Nabati style.

Sheikha Fatima bint-Mubarak Al-Ketbi

The third wife of Sheikh Zayed, the mother of six of his sons, including Crown Prince Mohammed (the de facto ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the UAE).

This woman played a big role in UAE politics during the reign of her husband Sheikh Zayed and remains very influential to this day. She is called the "Mother of the Nation".

The exact date of her birth is unknown. She was probably born in the mid-40s. In the 60s, she married Zaid Al-Nahyan, becoming his third wife.

In 1973, she founded the Abu Dhabi Women's Awakening Society, the first women's community organization in the UAE. In 1975 she created and headed Main union UAE women. The main sphere of interest of these organizations was education, because at that time girls in the UAE did not study at all. In 2004, Fatima facilitated the appointment of the first female minister.

Now she still heads the General Women's Union, Supreme Council on problems of motherhood and childhood, the Family Development Fund and several other organizations. And this despite the advanced age! Naturally, Fatima has a gigantic influence on the politics of Sheikh Mohammed and the affairs of Bani Fatima.

Dubai

The emirate of Dubai is ruled by the Al Muktum family.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Muktum

Ruling Emir (officially since January 4, 2006, actually since January 3, 1995), Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE since February 11, 2006.

Sheikh Mohammed is called the "Architect of Modern Dubai". This is a very versatile educated person and is now the most famous leader in the UAE.

Mohammed became the third son of the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid ibn Said Al Muktum. His mother Lafita was the daughter of the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Hamadan ibn Zayed Al Nahyan. As a child, Muhammad received both a secular and a traditional Islamic education. In 1966 (at the age of 18) he studied in the UK at cadet corps Mons and in Italy for the pilot.

In 1968, Mohammed attended his father's meeting with Sheikh Zayed at Argoub el Sedira, where the rulers of Dubai and Abu Dhabi agreed on the imminent establishment of the UAE. After the formation of the UAE, he was the Minister of Defense and the head of the police in Dubai.

On October 7, 1990, Mohammed's father and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid ibn Said, died. Power passed to the eldest son - Sheikh Muktum ibn Rashid, who was very fond of equestrian sports, was an excellent athlete, but did not reach for politics and government.

On January 4, 1995, Muktum ibn Rashid appoints Mohammed as crown prince and, in fact, transfers power to him in the emirate of Dubai. On January 4, 2006, Muktum ibn Rashid died of a heart attack, Mohammed ibn Rashid becomes the official ruler of Dubai.

The list of achievements of Muhammad ibn Rashid is huge. He diversified the economy of Dubai, now oil revenues account for only 4% of the emirate's GDP, Dubai has become a shopping mecca, second only to London, the largest trading and financial center.

With his support or on his initiative, the following have been created: Burj Al Arab, the Emirates airline, the Palm and World artificial islands, the world's largest artificial harbor Jebel Ali, the Dubai Internet City zone and hundreds of other projects.

He became famous for his raids on enterprises, where he personally checked whether employees were in their places, and fired those who were absent. Sheikh Mohammed ibn Rashid is famous for his intolerance of corruption, and hundreds of officials were imprisoned for his rule, convicted of taking bribes and using their position for personal gain.

Now (note: the article was written at the end of 2017) he is already 68 years old, but he is full of energy and successfully implements his plan for the development of Dubai until 2021. He recently took part in the Arab Strategic Forum, and you can’t say that he is 68.

In Arabic, the term sheikh means a well-born adult man who has a huge fortune and is highly respected in society among believers. Only the most revered and respected Muslims can earn this honorary title, and it is usually the case that the sheikh is a man over the age of 40. However, daughters and wives of sheikhs can often also be called by this title. Muslims who earn the title of sheikh often diligently study the religion of Islam, they are well versed in the teachings of the Qur'an and live in accordance with the Sunnah, which is a way of life indicated to Muslims by the prophet Muhammad himself. A person can also be appointed as a sheikh if ​​he has completed his studies at the university of Islamic studies and can lecture to students. Due to the large oil reserves and the number of wealthy families in the Middle East, some sheikhs in the region are extremely wealthy - some sheikhs in the Middle East are ranked as the richest billionaires in the world. Most Arab countries, royal houses use the term sheikh to refer to wealthy members royal family. Usually in the Arab world the fortune of one or another sheikh is hidden, but we have compiled a list of the richest sheikhs according to known information on the network. Islam is the second largest religion in the world, second only to Christianity, and is the fastest growing religion in the world. Islam is most widely used in Asia. More than 1 billion people in Asia identify as Muslim, most of these people live in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia. There are over 500 million Muslims in Africa and the Middle East.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, worth $2 billion. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is the current ruler of Qatar, he became the Emir of the State of Qatar after his father, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who abdicated in 2013. This made Tamim bin Hamad the youngest reigning monarch in the world.
Sheikh Faisal bin Qasim al-Thani, net worth $2.2 billion. Sheikh Faisal bin Qasim al-Thani became successful, almost in spite of his surname, and not because of it. His title of Sheikh has nothing to do with political position. He is distant relative ruling family Al Thani in Qatar.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, worth $2.4 billion. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was the Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013. During his reign, the country produced about 85 million tons of natural gas, which made Qatar the most rich country in the world per capita. He abdicated last year so that his son would succeed him on the throne. Sheikh Hamad himself came to power after a bloodless coup, taking the throne of his father.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, worth $4.5 billion. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is Vice President of the United United Arab Emirates and is also the constitutional monarch of Dubai. As of 2010, his investment company Dubai Holding owes $12 billion to banks. As Crown Prince of Dubai, he named his yacht - the third largest in the world - "Dubai". He enjoys horse racing and is considered to be the biggest spender in horse racing betting.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, worth $4.9 billion. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the half-brother of the country's president. Sheikh Mansour is the Chairman sports company Al Jazeera, which owns football, handball, volleyball and basketball teams in Abu Dhabi. He also owns the English football club Manchester City. He is the chairman of Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Investment Company.
Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Ali Al Amoudi, worth $14.3 billion. Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Ali Al Amoudi is the 63rd richest person in the world. He lives in two countries: Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia. He is also the second richest citizen Saudi Arabia and richest black man. His title of Sheikh is for his wealth and accomplishments, as he is not a member of any royal family. It is believed that he is not only the largest foreign investor in Ethiopia, but also in Sweden. Mohammed Hussein made his wealth from oil, mining and agricultural assets.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, worth $18 billion. According to experts, the personal capital of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is about $18 billion. However, the Al Nahyan family has a total net worth of around $150 billion. Sheikh Khalifa is the current Emir of Abu Dhabi and President of the United Arab Emirates. He has officially taken the presidency since 2004. But in fact, he served as acting president since 1990, due to the poor health of his father, being the crown prince. The tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, is named after him.

Princess Haya bint Al Hussein

Princess Haya was born into the family of King Hussein I of Jordan. She received a European education: she studied in England, where she attended Badminton School for Girls in Bristol, Bryanston School in Dorset, and then St Hilda's College at Oxford University, from which she graduated with honors in the field philosophy, politics and economics.

In 2004, Princess Haya married Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and the ruler of Dubai, whose net worth is estimated at $20 billion. Khaya is his younger wife (the eldest is Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum).

At the time of his marriage to Haya, Sheikh Mohammed already had four wives, whose descendants are recognized, but who do not have official titles (the total number of wives of the Sheikh on this moment not published anywhere, but, as you know, he still has childless wives). To today The couple has two children - a son and a daughter.

If the first wife of the Sheikh of Dubai is not a public person at all, then Sheikha Haya is her complete opposite. She is the modern face of Dubai. Haya is a founding member of the Geneva-based Global Humanitarian Forum and a board member of many other nonprofits. public organizations. And also a source of constant scandals.

So, the princess took part in the summer Olympic Games 2000 in Sydney and represented there ... Jordan in show jumping (one of the equestrian sports). And everything would be fine, but her very appointment to the Olympic team was controversial: she qualified and earned Jordan the right to participate in the Olympics in this sport, a completely different athlete. Which was then deprived of a place in favor of Haya. And Haya took 70th place.

However, the Sheikh cannot avoid questions in his personal life. Few people believe that the princess married for love, they even call her a gold digger and they say that before marriage, the princess very favorably accepted the courtship of European fans, which is unacceptable for an Arab princess.

Lubna Al Qasimi is a member of the ruling family of the emirate of Sharjah. As well as the Minister of Economy of the UAE. Among the merits of Lubna, international observers and analysts note: ensuring transparency in the management of the national economy, negotiating skills, clear planning of trade relations, and increasing the country's authority.

Sheikha Lubna is included in the first hundred outstanding women in the world. She studied in the USA and became the first woman to study abroad. In the States, she studied computer technology and received the profession of a programmer. Returning home in 1981, she worked in her specialty at the Dubai Seaport and did a lot to turn it into an international port. By the time of widespread information technologies Lubna was already a well-known specialist, had own company and a commercial site, and was also going to do scientific work. But plans had to be adjusted ...

In her early 40s, Lubna Al Qasimi became the first female member of the Emirati government. Under her leadership (and in a favorable global environment), the annual per capita income in the UAE grew by more than 15%, exceeding $28,000 in 2005. However, own business Sheikh Lubna also did not leave. Her company specializes in the production of women's perfumes. Part of the proceeds from the sale of perfumery is automatically transferred by Lubnaya to the fund for the fight against cancer her home emirate.

In the Emirates, a lot is different from what the whole world is used to. Here, for example, the “first lady” here is not called the wife of the UAE President Sheikh Khalifa, but one of the wives of the late founder of the Emirati state, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Her name is Sheikha Fatma bint Mubarak al-Katabi. She is the half-mother of the current president, who is the first son of Sheikh Zayed from an earlier marriage.

The date of her birth is not mentioned in official sources anywhere. It is only known that she became the wife of Sheikh Zayed in the late 50s. In 1960, she gave birth to her first child, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the current Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Photos of the "first lady" are rare. More often, her image can be found in the form of a picture, as if created for a children's fairy tale with a happy ending.

Let's not break the tradition, and if the sheikha so wants, we will imagine her just like that - in the arms of her beloved and loving husband-ruler of the Emirates.

Another strong and powerful woman United Arab Emirates - Muna Isa Al Gur. One of the directors of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group. Responsible for promotion and international development brands that are part of the company, including: UNITED COLORS OF Benetton, Siemens, Unilever, IDdesign. A young, beautiful, intelligent and progressive oriental woman.

Muna has also been appointed to the board of the Emirates Foundation, an independent charitable organization, created by the government of Abu Dhabi to help small and medium businesses in the UAE. As well as contributing to the development of youth initiatives and the maintenance of women's rights.

I became interested in this princess thanks to a BusbyBabes post about the Crown Prince of Dubai. I wondered who this attractive woman in the photo, presented as the second wife of the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed.
It turned out that she is in fact an extremely controversial person, but very extraordinary. Princess Haya bint Al Hussein was born on May 3, 1974 in the family of King Hussein I of Jordan. Her mother, Queen Alia, tragically died in a helicopter crash in February 1977, leaving three small children orphans. Haya received an excellent European education: she studied in England, where she attended Badminton School for Girls in Bristol, Bryanston School in Dorset, and then St Hilda's College, Oxford University, from which she graduated summa cum laude in philosophy, politics and economics. Perhaps she would have remained one of the daughters of the late King of Jordan, if not for happy marriage: On April 10, 2004, Princess Haya married Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister of the UAE, the ruler of Dubai, whose fortune is estimated at 20 billion dollars.
Haya becomes his younger wife because the elder wife was and remains Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum (marriage to this wife has been going on since 1979). At the time of the marriage, Sheikh Mohammed also had four wives, whose descendants are recognized, but who do not have official titles. And his total number of wives is not published anywhere, but, as you know, he still has childless wives. On December 2, 2007, Princess Haya gave birth to her first child, Sheikha Al Jalila bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The birth of her daughter coincided with the thirty-sixth anniversary of the unification of the UAE. If the first wife of the Sheikh of Dubai is not a public person at all, then Princess Haya is her complete opposite. We can say that she is the "face" of Dubai.
The princess is involved in humanitarian work: she founded Tikyet Um Ali, the first Arab organization fighting hunger in her native Jordan. She also heads Dubai's International Humanitarian City (as I understand it, this is a foundation that helps overcome humanitarian problems in the Arab world). She was the Ambassador of the World Food Program in 2005-2007, and then, in July 2007, she was appointed Envoy United Nations World, she is a founding member of the Geneva-based Global Humanitarian Forum and serves on the boards of many other non-profit community organizations.
However, her image is not so sinless. There are many scandals associated with Princess Haya. So, the Princess took part in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, and represented Jordan in show jumping (one of the equestrian sports). (At the same games, by the way, she carried the flag of her country). And all would be well, but her appointment to the Olympic team was very controversial, as another athlete qualified and earned Jordan the right to participate in the Olympics in this sport, but was stripped of the place in favor of Haya. Which, by the way, took 70th place. Also, Princess Haya was elected President International Federation equestrian sports. But even here it is publicly and harshly criticized: members of this organization claim that it behaves dictatorially and violates democratic principles of organization and procedure in order to pursue its own interests. ("as a member of the ruling royal family, she is used to unquestioning obedience, but here she is the elected president of a democratic institution"). Well, it should also be mentioned that in Jordan she is the president of the anti-smoking society, but during her stay in Europe, the princess was photographed smoking. Which, of course, made it possible to say that she behaves inappropriately for the sheikh of a Muslim country. But the most common accusations are related to her marriage: on the one hand, Haya is a member of organizations that fight for the equality of women and against their humiliation. On the other hand, she "participates" in a polygamous marriage in a country where women are in no way equated with men. And, as it turned out, few people believe that the princess married for love, she is even called "Gold Digger". (conspiratorially: they even say that before marriage, the princess very favorably accepted the courtship of European fans, that for an Arab princess there is still some "ay-yay-yay"). But I, for the first and last time in a post, let me express my personal opinion: I don’t know how the princess is, but the formidable sheikh of Dubai next to her looks happy and even, I’m not afraid to say this word, soft. P.S. since, from the official website of the princess, you can’t copy a letter, let alone a photo, I’m giving a link to a photo from her wedding with the sheikh - everything happened, it turns out, quietly and with a small crowd. A photo

Today we will talk about the richest and wisest rulers of the East. Their wealth is in the billions of dollars. What are they? They are called "sheikhs of the Arab Emirates". What do they do in Everyday life? How many wives do they have? We bring to your attention the most interesting information about Arab sheikhs, as well as the top 10 of their favorite activities. We hope that the information presented below will provide complete answers to all questions of interest about the life of the eastern rulers.

Magic stories or real life?

A large number of people believe that the Arab sheikh is a person who does nothing, but at the same time bathes in luxury and wealth, besides, he is surrounded by the most beautiful women on the planet. They live in the most beautiful palaces, in which there are a huge number of servants and assistants. Let's find out if this is true, shall we? But first, let's define the term itself.

Sheikh - what does this word mean?

At this concept there are several possible values. Let's bring them all. So, the sheikh is:

1. clan elder or leader;
2. honorable and respected person;
3. leader of a nomadic tribe;
4. mentor;
5. major scientist;
6. may be part of the name.

After analyzing all the options for the meaning of the word, we come to the conclusion that the Arab sheikh is the ruler of the emirates, a respected and respected person. An interesting fact is that this title is inherited or awarded to the most worthy Muslim. He is obliged to observe the following rules: to be a highly moral person; not to commit acts inconsistent with the foundations of the Koran, as well as to know well and be able to correctly interpret its content.

Legends and myths?

The life of sheikhs has always aroused great interest among ordinary people. Perhaps this happened also because any information was carefully hidden from prying eyes. Sheikhs do not like to give interviews and talk about their private lives. Therefore, there are so many different legends about them. Let's remember the most common:

• Candies can be eaten directly with wrappers, which are made of gold of the highest standard.
• They spend not millions, but billions of dollars on their weddings.
• The main source of income is oil.
• These people do nothing.

Zaid bin Sultan Al Nahyan

He was the first President of the United Arab Emirates. Thanks to the efforts of this person, global changes for the better began to occur in the country. He took up construction and landscaping. Agriculture, medicine, education began to develop. He wisely ruled his state for more than thirty years. How did the Arab sheikh live? He cared about the prosperity of his country and subjects.

The time when the Bedouins lived in poverty and hunger is gone forever. The income from the sale of oil was so huge that it made it possible not only to improve the people's well-being, but also to become billionaires themselves.

• In the restaurants of the UAE, visitors could taste tea, in which gold was added. Its price was 15 dollars, if translated into Russian rubles, then this is about 800-900 rubles.
• Arab Sheikh Mohammed ibn Rashid al-Maktoum (the current ruler) has the most expensive yacht in the world. Even a helicopter can land on its deck, there are several pools.
• Clothes for sheikhs are sewn only from the most expensive and exclusive materials.
• The most expensive passport in the world costs half a million dollars. It belongs to a sheikh named Caliph. The passport is made of leather precious stones and gold. An interesting fact is that the dimensions of this document are one and a half meters by a meter.
• One of the sheiks named Rainbow in a huge collection of unique cars has cars painted in different colors of the rainbow. Each of them corresponds certain day weeks.
• On the sheikhs' cars, license plates consist of two digits. The machines themselves are made of gold or platinum.
• Breeding Arabian horses is considered one of the most popular activities among sheikhs. Huge sums of money are spent for the sake of these animals. They build luxurious stables, spacious and equipped with all necessary items.
• The first ruler of the United Arab Emirates raised nineteen children who, today, hold high government positions or are engaged in business.

Top 10 most favorite activities

It's time to find out what Arab sheikhs like to do in free time. We have compiled a list of the most popular entertainment for you.

• In tenth place - professional photography.
• Ninth is snorkeling or diving.
• Eighth - jumping from a height.
• Seventh - motorcycle racing.
• Sixth - mountaineering.
• Fifth - falconry.
• The fourth is skydiving.
• The third is equestrian competitions.
• The second is camel racing.
• The first is horse breeding.

Wise rulers of the East

They live in magnificent palaces. They are surrounded by good furniture, chic carpets and luxury items. Many personal items are made of pure gold: phones, laptops, etc. But at the same time, the Arab sheikh (photo below) is highly educated and clever man who understands different areas life: politics, science, economics, culture, etc. They send their children to study in the most prestigious institutions in the world.

Sheikhs not only take care of themselves and their loved ones, but also of their subjects. They spend huge amounts of money on charity, building hospitals, schools and other necessary institutions of culture and art. But this is not all that sheikhs do for their subjects. Known for such interesting fact that the President of the UAE paid off the debts on loans of those citizens of his country who did not have the opportunity to do so.

Arab sheikhs and their wives

One of the most common opinions about the life of the rulers of the East is that they can marry a large number beautiful women. Let's see if this is actually the case. It is possible that some sheikhs keep harems, but there is no such information officially.

The main religion of the East is Islam, according to which a sheikh, as well as rich and noble Muslims, can have four wives. Huge amounts of money are spent on weddings. The Arab Sheikh Mohammed ibn Rashid al-Maktoum cost a fantastic sum of money - about sixty million dollars. This wedding is considered one of the most expensive in the world. Surely readers will be interested to know about the number of guests on this memorable event. This figure is also impressive - twenty thousand.

The sheikh gives each wife a built palace along with servants. In addition, huge sums of money are spent on clothes and jewelry, when women go out, they shimmer and sparkle like Christmas decorations.

Conclusion

Sheikhs of the United Arab Emirates are smart and educated people who like to surround themselves with expensive things. They do everything to ensure that their country prospers, and the people living in it are satisfied and happy. Thus, many legends about the life of Arab sheikhs have no basis. They drive modern look life, and their fields of activity are very diverse. Today they rely on sports, tourism and science, investing their fortunes in them.