Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammed’s Plane Lands in Mallorca Amid Regional Tensions
Palma de Mallorca, Spain – A Boeing 747-400F belonging to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, made an unscheduled stop at Palma Airport in Mallorca, Spain, on Thursday, sparking speculation about the reasons for the flight. The aircraft remained on the tarmac for approximately three hours before continuing towards Miami, Florida.
While officials have not released a statement explaining the landing, sources suggest the plane may have been refueling. The 747-400F, acquired in 2010, is frequently used to transport Sheikh Mohammed’s racehorses, leading to theories that the flight was related to concerns for their safety given escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The stopover occurred against a backdrop of heightened regional instability, including recent Iranian missile and drone attacks. The UAE has been increasingly vocal about its security concerns in the face of these threats.
Sheikh Mohammed’s interest in horse racing is well-known globally. He founded the Godolphin racing stable and Darley stallion operation, major forces in the international thoroughbred industry. The possibility of relocating valuable racehorses reflects the broader anxieties within the UAE regarding potential disruptions.
Beyond equestrian pursuits, Sheikh Mohammed’s investment in Mallorca is also notable. Dubai Holding Group, controlled by the Sheikh, recently acquired the Jumeirah Port Sóller Hotel & Spa, demonstrating a continued commitment to European investments.
The Boeing 747-400F is a versatile aircraft, capable of carrying up to 124 tons of cargo, including vehicles and equipment. Operated by the Dubai Royal Air Wing, the fleet also plays a crucial humanitarian role, having been deployed for emergency aid deliveries to disaster zones, including Turkey and Syria following the 2023 earthquake. In 1973, Sheikh Mohammed, then 24 years old and serving as Minister of Defence, successfully negotiated the release of 140 hostages during a hijacking of a Japan Airlines Boeing 747 in Dubai, showcasing his early leadership and crisis management skills.