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This week, UAE royal watchers were in for a treat when Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan made a rare a public appearance at an endurance riding event in the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi.
As her first solo royal engagement – a profound occasion that marked the beginning of her journey as an official working royal – Sheikha Fatima captivated onlookers with her striking poise and elegance.
Her graceful presence sparked an influx of intrigue, with many people wanting to know more about the young UAE royal.
While the public has seen glimpses of Sheikha Fatima growing up, shared through the eyes of her mother’s lens, she’s managed to maintain a conspicuously low profile. Now, it seems the young royal is ready to step out on her own, and give the public a chance to get to know her on her own terms.
Below, GRAZIA gives you an insight into the life and career (so far) of Sheikha Fatima bint Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
She comes from a lineage of esteemed leaders in the UAE
At 17 years old, Sheikha Fatima is the eldest daughter of His Highness Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the eldest daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.
This makes Sheikha Fatima the granddaughter of both the current Ruler of Dubai and the late Sheikh Zayed, father of the UAE.
She’s the eldest of five siblings
Sheikha Fatima has four younger siblings, with three brothers and one sister. Her siblings are Sheikh Mohammed bin Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikha Latifa bint Mansour bint Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Rashed bin Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
She’s an Experienced Equestrian
Sheikha Fatima is an avid horse rider, particularly endurance, following in the footsteps of her father, Sheikh Mansour. Having won several accolades for her riding, she now has a tournament named after her – the Sheikha Fatima bint Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ladies Endurance Cup. It pays homage to her passion for developing the sport in the region.
Her Highness stepped out earlier this week to attend the tournament, which marked a significant moment for the royal, as it was her first official solo engagement. She was seen awarding prizes at the Sheikha Fatima bint Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ladies Endurance Cup, whilst also conversing with fellow riders.
She’s a talented painter
Last year, HH Sheikha Manal, surprised the public by sharing a painting completed by Sheikha Fatima. The acrylic painting was a portrait of her uncle and the President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and showcased the royal’s impressive artistic abilities.
She’s effortlessly stylish
As well as being a talented painter and equestrian rider, Sheikh Fatima is also effortlessly stylish.
During her first royal engagement, Sheikha Fatima wowed the crowd with her fashionable ensemble. She wore a green and black printed jabaliya adorned with intricate green embroidery on the bodice and sleeves. She covered up with a simple black abaya and black headscarf while her simple hair and makeup showed off her natural beauty.
In other rare appearances made by the young royal, she always looks effortlessly stylish in elegant traditional wear, with her dark long locks usually flowing in a loose style.
We can’t wait to follow along on her journey as a working royal.
