Sheikh Hamdan is a true foodie, and this latest sighting proves he knows all the city’s top dining spots
We love spotting where HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, chooses to dine. From local burger joint to fine-dining steakhouses, the Crown Prince clearly knows Dubai’s culinary scene inside out. On March 30, 2026, he was seen at another hotspot in Dubai Mall — the French-Mediterranean eatery La Maison Ani by Chef Izu.
This is not the first time Sheikh Hamdan was photographed with his entourage at the restaurant. He visited shortly after the restaurant opened in May 2022 and visited a many times after. During one of his most recent visits in 2025, he surprised diners at the restaurant by paying the entire bill for everyone present. It is said it all amounted to around Dhs25,000 to Dhs30,000.
La Maison Ani is a culinary concept by Chef Izu Ani, who has many restaurants under his name. It includes Gaia and Alaya in DIFC and Carine at Emirates Golf Club, all of which Sheikh Hamdan has also visited. Proof that he is a fan of the chef’s culinary skills.
During this visit, Sheikh Hamdan was photographed with his entourage, which included His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance; Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation; and Uncle Saeed.
The photograph was shared on La Maison Ani’s official Instagram channel (@lamaisonanidubai). A video followed which showed the group leaving the restaurant with the words, ‘It was an honour to welcome His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum today.’
We’ll have what Sheikh Hamdan’s having, please.
Want to dine like a royal? Here’s a list of 40 Sheikh Hamdan-approved restaurants in Dubai.
Images: Instagram
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