The Crown Prince of Dubai travelled to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
We often bring you news of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s travels. Dubai’s crown prince is often on the road — just in the last few months, he’s cycled in Estonia, checked out some major horse races in the United Kingdom, toured the United States, and gone on safari in Tanzania.
It’s a pretty comprehensive itinerary, but Sheikh Hamdan’s latest destination is a little different.
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The royal headed to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to perform Umrah, one of the two pilgrimages to Mecca that Muslims observe.
HH Sheikh Hamdan was accompanied on his journey by a group of ‘unknown soldiers,’ the Dubai Media Office said, selected from various government departments in recognition of their hard work and dedication.
Once in Mecca, the Dubai Media Office said, the royal prayed to “Allah Almighty to protect the UAE and all Arab and Islamic nations.”
In contrast to Hajj, which every adult Muslim is obliged to perform, so long as they’re physically and financially able, Umrah is not compulsory.
It can also be performed at any time of year, unlike Hajj, which only takes place on certain days of Dhu al-Hijjah — the last month of the Islamic calendar.
Sheikh Hamdan shared a few moments from his journey on his Instagram story, which showed him in transit with the men who had been chosen to accompany him.
We’re thinking those are memories worth holding onto — for Sheikh Hamdan himself, and for the people with him.
Images: Dubai Media Office
