Dubai declares 10 days of mourning after death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, younger brother of Dubai's Ruler Sheikh Mohammed, has died at 76. The emirate has declared an official 10-day mourning period.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, younger brother of Dubai's Ruler and UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, died on Monday, September 21, at the age of 76. Dubai Media Office announced an official 10-day mourning period, during which flags across the emirate will fly at half-mast.
Tributes from family and leaders
Sheikh Mohammed shared a personal message on social media, writing: "You are absent from our eyes, but not from our prayers and hearts." Condolences also came from Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Sheikh Ahmed's nephew, and from Abu Dhabi and UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed also extended condolences, praising Sheikh Ahmed's long-standing contribution to the country's development since its founding.
Career and public roles
Born on July 12, 1950, Sheikh Ahmed was the youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, former Ruler of Dubai. He graduated from Britain's Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and later became Commander-in-Chief of Dubai's Central Military Command. He also served for years as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security, and chaired the investment firm ARM Holding as well as the Dubai Real Estate Centre.
Legacy in horse racing
According to Thoroughbred Daily News, Sheikh Ahmed was a significant owner and breeder in Thoroughbred racing. Horses carrying his yellow silks with black epaulettes won numerous Group 1 races, from Wassl's victory in the 1983 Irish 2,000 Guineas to Saddadd's win earlier this month. The 2026 season was reportedly particularly successful for his racing operation, with several international highlights. In 1990 he developed the Jebel Ali racecourse outside Dubai, home to his racing stables.
Role at Al Wasl Sports Club
As reported by The National, Sheikh Ahmed was also the long-serving president of Al Wasl Sports Club, having been among the young men who helped found the club from a small house in Zabeel in 1960. Under his leadership the club became one of the UAE's leading sports institutions, winning eight national league football titles as well as achieving success in basketball, volleyball and handball.
