His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi (born 25 May 1948) is Ruler of Fujairah, having succeeded his father Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi in 1974. Sheikh Hamad is married to Sheikha Fatima bint Thani Al Maktoum from the ruling family of Dubai. They have six children - three boys and three girls, - Sheikh Mohammed (b.1986) who was appointed the Crown Prince of Fujairah on the 8th of January 2007 and who recently graduated from Webster University, London. Sheikh Rashid (b.1987) who is Chairman of the Media Department of Fujairah and President of Fujairah Country Club & Tennis Stadium, and continues his university studies in the United Kingdom. Youngest son, Sheikh Maktoum (b.1991) currently studies at Fujairah Private Academy. The girls are Sheikha Sarah, Sheikha Shamsa and Sheikha Madiyah.
Educated in Britain, Sheikh Hamad is a progressive ruler, and his reformist leanings have held him in good stead with businessmen and expatriates alike. He attended the Mons Military Academy in 1970 and from 1971-74 served as Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries.
