Abu Dhabi Stories

Since childhood, he was known as "Captain Hamad." This title was more than a nickname; it was a dream in the making. As a child, he eagerly awaited medical results, knowing that if all went well, his father had promised him a toy plane.

Years later, when Hamad graduated from high school, he had only one goal: to fly for Etihad Airways. He began as a trainee and later enrolled in the Etihad Aviation Training Program, determined to turn his childhood dream into reality. It wasn’t an easy road, but he believed that every achievement comes with its challenges.

The night before his first flight, Hamad could hardly sleep. The anticipation and excitement kept him awake. When he landed in Moscow, it wasn’t just his first flight that he carried with him; he carried the memory, the feeling, that eventually turned into the beautiful melody that encaptured his experience. That moment translated into “December Skies,” a piano piece he composed after landing, a melody filled with hope, resilience, and the thrill of a lifelong dream coming true

The Music of The Skies

Flying isn’t Hamad’s only passion. As a child, he found an outlet in music. “Maybe I was making too much noise at home, but my family let me be myself,” he says. The piano became his way of expressing dreams that words couldn’t capture.

He started playing at The Galleria and Marina Mall, drawing in curious passersby. Before long, his music took him to global stages, including Sydney Opera House, Italy, the UK, and more. Through every note, he spreads a message of happiness, optimism, and unity, the same message he carries on every flight.

Beyond the cockpit and the keyboard, Hamad has another love—horses. Inspired by their grace and strength, he composed “Le Cheval,” a piece that reflects their beauty, power, and freedom.

Do you know why Arabs don’t say “white horses”? Discover the meaning behind their colors.

Abu Dhabi: Where Dreams Begin

With 40,000 flight hours and journeys to over 70 countries, Hamad has seen the world, yet every journey leads him back to the place that shaped him. By land, sea, or air, Abu Dhabi will always be where his story began, and where his ambitions soar.

Find many shared themes between Captain Hamad and the story of Rashid Al Dhaheri, an Emirati who found his passion and chose his path at just three years old. Learn more about his journey with us!

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A Dream that Took Flight

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