Sheikh Hamdan on his first day at school (right). ARCHIVE

As more than one million pupils returned to classrooms across the UAE this week, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, marked the occasion by sharing a nostalgic glimpse into his own school days. Posting on Instagram to his 17 million followers, Sheikh Hamdan released a video featuring rare photographs from his first day at school, including heartwarming moments with his father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. “I still remember my very first day of school. I was just a child but my dreams were already big. For knowledge is light and with it, nations rise. With every new school year a fresh dream is born. Together, we shape the future of our homeland and always remember, with knowledge we rise and with values, we build,” Sheikh Hamdan said. Sheikh Hamdan, who attended Rashid School for Boys and later studied abroad at Sandhurst and the London School of Economics, said his schooling instilled discipline, commitment, teamwork, and responsibility. His post coincided with well-wishes from UAE leaders. President Sheikh Mohamed congratulated students, teachers, and parents, reminding them that “education is the foundation of our nation’s forward-looking vision.” Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid encouraged pupils to seize every school day as an opportunity to learn, urging teachers to inspire ambition and curiosity in their students. Sheikh Hamdan frequently shares personal moments with his vast social media following, offering rare insights into his childhood and family life. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page