In a remarkable display of humility and generosity, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, affectionately known as Fazza, surprised diners at a Dubai Mall restaurant by paying for everyone's meal during an unannounced visit. The moment, captured and shared widely on social media, has stirred widespread admiration from residents and netizens alike.
A Surprise Encounter at La Maison Ani
The unexpected gesture took place at La Maison Ani, a high-end restaurant located in Dubai Mall and operated by celebrated chef Izu Ani, who is also behind other renowned culinary establishments such as Alaya, Gaia, and Kai Enzo.
According to local media outlet Lovin Dubai, the Crown Prince was dining at the restaurant alongside Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. The two were accompanied by a small group of aides and friends and reportedly visited the restaurant for lunch on Wednesday.
In a video clip shared by Lovin Dubai on Instagram, a woman, described her unforgettable experience:
“He paid the entire bill,” she said, estimating the total cost to be between AED 25,000 and AED 30,000 (approximately $6,800 to $8,200 USD).
Lovin Dubai captioned the video:
“Covers the bill for everyone dining at a restaurant in Dubai! That’s our Crown Prince.”
A Moment That Captivated Diners and Social Media Alike
Videos shared online captured the leaders walking into the restaurant and greeting diners with a traditional Islamic salutation, wishing them peace, a gesture that set the tone for what would become an unforgettable experience for everyone present.
Among the diners was Emirati national Noura Mohammed AlMarzooqi, who spoke to local news outlet Khaleej Times about the extraordinary moment. “They were super friendly and said hello to everyone and made the experience really great for us,” she recalled. When she asked for the cheque after her meal, she was informed that Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed had paid for everyone dining at the restaurant. “Only in UAE will you see the royal families spending lovely time with their people and spreading kindness and making the experience priceless,” she said, capturing the sentiment many others would go on to express online.
Social media quickly lit up with admiration for Sheikh Hamdan’s generosity. Users praised the Crown Prince as “a great person with a golden heart” and “someone who always does something amazing.” One commenter noted, “It happens all the time. Happened to me once,” suggesting that such gracious gestures are not entirely uncommon in the UAE. Another shared a personal dream: “When I moved to Dubai four years ago, my goal was to meet him so I could ask him to be my business partner. Still waiting.”
These reactions reflect the deep respect and affection that many in the UAE feel for Sheikh Hamdan, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. Known for his adventurous lifestyle and approachable nature, Fazza remains a beloved figure among both citizens and expatriates, someone whose actions continue to inspire admiration and foster connection across the community.
A Statement from La Maison Ani
Following the viral attention, La Maison Ani issued an official statement to Khaleej Times, calling the visit from the two Crown Princes both an honour and a privilege:
“It was an absolute honor and privilege for our team to welcome Their Highnesses to La Maison Ani. The experience was seamless, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to serve them. Moments like these are a proud reminder of the trust placed in us to deliver excellence at every level.”
The restaurant also described the Crown Princes’ demeanour:
“The Crown Princes maintained a warm and respectful presence throughout their visit. While the occasion was private, their gracious demeanour and generosity left a lasting impression. Both our team and surrounding guests deeply appreciated the atmosphere their presence brought. The visit took place during lunch in a calm and elegant setting. Out of respect for Their Highnesses’ privacy, we will not be disclosing further details.”
A Surprise Encounter at La Maison Ani
The unexpected gesture took place at La Maison Ani, a high-end restaurant located in Dubai Mall and operated by celebrated chef Izu Ani, who is also behind other renowned culinary establishments such as Alaya, Gaia, and Kai Enzo.
According to local media outlet Lovin Dubai, the Crown Prince was dining at the restaurant alongside Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. The two were accompanied by a small group of aides and friends and reportedly visited the restaurant for lunch on Wednesday.
In a video clip shared by Lovin Dubai on Instagram, a woman, described her unforgettable experience:
“He paid the entire bill,” she said, estimating the total cost to be between AED 25,000 and AED 30,000 (approximately $6,800 to $8,200 USD).
Lovin Dubai captioned the video:
“Covers the bill for everyone dining at a restaurant in Dubai! That’s our Crown Prince.”
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLZOE2hNpEL/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=077ea4cd-b3ce-4e02-a281-b6b7cb5896a5 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLZOE2hNpEL/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=077ea4cd-b3ce-4e02-a281-b6b7cb5896a5
A Moment That Captivated Diners and Social Media Alike
Videos shared online captured the leaders walking into the restaurant and greeting diners with a traditional Islamic salutation, wishing them peace, a gesture that set the tone for what would become an unforgettable experience for everyone present.
Among the diners was Emirati national Noura Mohammed AlMarzooqi, who spoke to local news outlet Khaleej Times about the extraordinary moment. “They were super friendly and said hello to everyone and made the experience really great for us,” she recalled. When she asked for the cheque after her meal, she was informed that Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed had paid for everyone dining at the restaurant. “Only in UAE will you see the royal families spending lovely time with their people and spreading kindness and making the experience priceless,” she said, capturing the sentiment many others would go on to express online.
Social media quickly lit up with admiration for Sheikh Hamdan’s generosity. Users praised the Crown Prince as “a great person with a golden heart” and “someone who always does something amazing.” One commenter noted, “It happens all the time. Happened to me once,” suggesting that such gracious gestures are not entirely uncommon in the UAE. Another shared a personal dream: “When I moved to Dubai four years ago, my goal was to meet him so I could ask him to be my business partner. Still waiting.”
These reactions reflect the deep respect and affection that many in the UAE feel for Sheikh Hamdan, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. Known for his adventurous lifestyle and approachable nature, Fazza remains a beloved figure among both citizens and expatriates, someone whose actions continue to inspire admiration and foster connection across the community.
A Statement from La Maison Ani
Following the viral attention, La Maison Ani issued an official statement to Khaleej Times, calling the visit from the two Crown Princes both an honour and a privilege:
“It was an absolute honor and privilege for our team to welcome Their Highnesses to La Maison Ani. The experience was seamless, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to serve them. Moments like these are a proud reminder of the trust placed in us to deliver excellence at every level.”
The restaurant also described the Crown Princes’ demeanour:
“The Crown Princes maintained a warm and respectful presence throughout their visit. While the occasion was private, their gracious demeanour and generosity left a lasting impression. Both our team and surrounding guests deeply appreciated the atmosphere their presence brought. The visit took place during lunch in a calm and elegant setting. Out of respect for Their Highnesses’ privacy, we will not be disclosing further details.”
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