Thanks to a donation of 11.5 tonnes of medical equipment from the United Arab Emirates, the Croatian government yesterday cancelled a deal to buy protective masks worth 19 million, which has already been agreed with a recently established Pula-based company, writes Slobodna Dalmacija.

A sudden donation of masks and other equipment was sent to Croatia by a wealthy Sheik from Abu Dhabi who wanted to remain anonymous, state officials explained. Apparently Croatian authorities contacted him a month and a half ago, and yesterday the agreement was reached. And news has leaked to the media that the generous donor of the medical equipment is 58-year-old Prince Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

He is one of the most influential people in his country, is the fourth son of the founder of the United Arab Emirates, a former foreign minister and deputy prime minister. He is the chairman of the board of the Red Crescent, a charitable organization alternative to the Red Cross, which explains the logic behind the generous donation to Croatia.

Yas in Dubrovnik - Photo Ivana Smilovic 

The Sheik is a regular summer guest in the most famous Adriatic destinations. He owns one of the largest yachts in the world, Yas, 141 meters in length. And in recent years, the vessel has often been seen in Croatian waters from Split to Dubrovnik. He even partied in a popular Dubrovnik night club last summer. 

The wealth of Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan is estimated at over $ 150 billion, while his son alone is said to be worth more than $ 30 billion.