Dubai has declared a 10-day period of official mourning following the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai.
The Court of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced on Monday, September 21, that Sheikh Ahmed had passed away earlier that morning. The announcement was also confirmed by the Dubai Media Office. An official mourning period of 10 days was declared across the emirate, effective from Monday. During the mourning period, flags will be flown at half-mast across Dubai.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was 76 years old. He was the youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who served as Ruler of Dubai and played a major role in the emirate’s development. Sheikh Ahmed was also the brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who has served as Dubai’s Ruler since 2006 and is the UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister.
Sheikh Ahmed held several senior positions during his career. He served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security, a longstanding role within Dubai’s security establishment. Reports also state that he graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom before joining Dubai’s Central Military Command. He later became commander of the Central Military Region.
His public responsibilities also extended beyond security and military affairs. Sheikh Ahmed had associations with Dubai’s business, real estate and sporting sectors. He served as chairman of Al Wasl Sports Club and was involved with other organisations and sporting initiatives in the emirate.
Following the announcement of his brother’s death, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum paid tribute to Sheikh Ahmed in a message shared on social media. He expressed his grief and prayed for mercy for his brother, saying that although Sheikh Ahmed was no longer present, he would remain in the family’s prayers and hearts. Sheikh Mohammed also prayed for patience and solace for the family and loved ones.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, also mourned Sheikh Ahmed, who was his uncle. Sheikh Hamdan shared a prayer asking for mercy and forgiveness for his late uncle.
The 10-day mourning period began on Monday, September 21. The official announcement specifies that flags in Dubai will be flown at half-mast throughout the period as the emirate marks the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
As of the latest reports, officials have not publicly provided a cause of death. Further details concerning funeral arrangements and related official proceedings are expected to be communicated through official channels.
The announcement comes as Dubai and members of the Al Maktoum family pay tribute to Sheikh Ahmed, who held senior public responsibilities and remained associated with the emirate’s security, business and sporting institutions throughout his career.
