Drones took to the night sky in Dubai on Saturday for a fitting tribute to the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid, who died last week.
The show took place at the conclusion of the Dubai World Cup, the highlight of the UAE’s horseracing calendar.
Drones flew in formation above Meydan Racecourse to map out a portrait of Sheikh Hamdan and images of racing horses, in a gesture to his longstanding love of the sport.
In the background, images of the Sheikh were projected on to a large screen and accompanied with the messages, “a gentleman, a statesman, the equestrian”.
The Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, died on Wednesday aged 76.
He had been unwell for some months.
The leading owner and breeder of race horses celebrated many triumphs, including the English and Irish derbies, the 2,000 Guineas, the Ascot Gold Cup and the Dubai World Cup in 1999 and 2007.
But his love of racing never distracted him from the duties of public life.
He served as Deputy Ruler of Dubai for 26 years.
On Wednesday, Sheikh Mohammed posted a picture of his brother saying: “We belong to God and to Him we shall return … May God have mercy on you, my brother, my support and my companion.”
Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid at Dubai World Cup over the years – in pictures
Italian rider Frankie Dettori celebrates his 2003 Dubai World Cup win with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid. AFP
Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid give the winner’s trophy to Stefan Friborg and his wife Dalva de Oliveira, owners of Gloria De Campeao which won the 2010 Dubai World Cup. AFP
Mirco Demuro celebrates while receiving the winner’s trophy by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid after clinching the 2011 Dubai World Cup. EPA
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid celebrates after winning the 2014 Dubai World Cup. Satish Kumar / The National
Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid is presented with the 2015 Dubai World Cup trophy after Prince Bishop won the showpiece race. Pawan Singh / The National
Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, celebrate winning the 2015 Dubai World Cup. Getty
Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid presents the golden stick to the 2017 Dubai World Cup winning jockey Mike Smith. EPA
Arrogate, ridden by Mike Smith, won the 2017 Dubai World Cup. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid at the podium. Pawan Singh / The National
Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid arrives at the 2018 Dubai World Cup. Reem Mohammed / The National
Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, with the 2018 Dubai World Cup trophy after Thunder Show, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, won the race. Pawan Singh / The National
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed during the 2018 Dubai World Cup trophy presentation ceremony after Thunder Snow, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, won at the Meydan Racecourse. Pawan Singh / The National
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed at the 2019 Dubai World Cup. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Updated: March 28, 2021 10:22 AM