Dubai Ruler’s Grandson Honoured as ‘Best Cadet’ at UK Military Academy

Another member of Dubai’s royal family has excelled at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) in the United Kingdom.

Sheikh Mohammed, the grandson of Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, graduated with distinction, earning the coveted Sword of Honour as the top cadet of Commissioning Course 241.

A Prestigious Achievement

The Commissioning Course 241 at RMAS brought together a diverse group of international Officer Cadets, each contributing unique cultural perspectives and experiences to the rigorous training program. Among them, Sheikh Mohammed stood out, earning accolades for his exemplary performance.

The Sword of Honour, sponsored by the State of Kuwait in memory of Sheikh Ali Al Sabah, is awarded to the best cadet and represents a significant milestone in the recipient’s military career. Sheikh Mohammed’s achievement cements his place among the academy’s elite graduates.

A Proud Moment for the UAE

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, shared the proud news of his grandson’s graduation on Friday.

Joining in the celebrations was Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.

In a heartfelt social media post, Sheikh Hamdan expressed his pride, saying: “We are all immensely proud of Mohammed, who was awarded the International Sword for the best international cadet and the International Award for best overall results in military, academic, and practical studies — the first Emirati to achieve both honours simultaneously. Congratulations to him on these remarkable achievements.”

Sheikh Hamdan celebrated the moment by sharing a video of the graduation ceremony on his social media platforms. The video captured Sheikh Mohammed confidently marching forward to receive the Sword of Honour, saluting, and proudly returning with the prestigious accolade. Sheikh Hamdan also posted a picture of the sword on his Instagram story to commemorate the occasion.

A Legacy of Excellence

Sheikh Hamdan also met with Emirati recruits at RMAS, praising their dedication. “Our youth continue to bring pride to their nation and families. May they continue to thrive and bring greater success to our homeland,” he remarked.

This milestone echoes the achievements of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, who graduated from Sandhurst in 1979. His time at the academy was foundational in shaping his distinguished military career, where he trained in armour, helicopter flying, tactical operations, and paratrooping.

After his studies, Sheikh Mohamed returned to the UAE and rose through the ranks, holding key positions in the Amiri Guard and the UAE Air Force, eventually becoming Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

About the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst

The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, commonly known as Sandhurst, is internationally acclaimed for its rigorous training programs and has been a training ground for members of prominent families worldwide, including numerous UAE royals.

Located in Sandhurst, Berkshire, the academy serves as the British Army’s primary officer training centre and remains a symbol of excellence in military education.

The academy’s commitment to developing future leaders ensures its continued role as a global hub for aspiring military officers, carrying on its storied tradition of producing some of the world’s most distinguished graduates.