IN PHOTOS: Dubai ruler takes a break, enjoys scenic UK holiday

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and the celebrated Ruler of Dubai, has been making headlines not just for his leadership, but for a rather picturesque UK holiday.

Beyond the shimmering sands and glitzy skyscrapers of Dubai, the Ruler has traded the desert for the scenic beauty of the UK’s mountains. Photos of his holiday, especially from the Scottish highlands, have caught the eyes of thousands online.

Earlier this month, while in London, the Sheikh was seen warmly interacting with locals and tourists alike. But it’s the newest set of images shared by Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, the head of Protocol of the UAE vice-president, that has netizens buzzing.

In these snaps, Sheikh Mohammed is captured exploring the Scottish mountains, flanked by his trusted entourage. Most photos show him dressed in casual athletic wear, topped with a bucket hat. However, in one striking image, he revels in the sunshine donning a traditional brown kandoora.

The adventures didn’t stop at mountain walks. The Ruler also embarked on a fishing expedition, aptly captured and hashtagged as #fishing and #seatrip by Suleiman.

In less than half a day, these holiday captures raked in an impressive 30,000 likes. Netizens showered the post with affectionate comments, with many writing, “May God protect him and give him a long life,” accompanied by heart and sparkle emojis.