Dubai’s Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has paid tribute to his younger brother Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who died at the age of 76.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has mourned the death of his brother Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Sheikh Ahmed died on Monday, September 21, 2026. The UAE’s official Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported that the Presidential Court mourned his passing and extended condolences to Sheikh Mohammed and the Al Maktoum family.
The Court of Sheikh Mohammed also announced a 10-day official mourning period across Dubai, beginning Monday. During the mourning period, flags will be flown at half-mast throughout the emirate.
Sheikh Mohammed pays tribute to his brother
Following the announcement, Sheikh Mohammed shared a personal message mourning Sheikh Ahmed.
In his tribute, he prayed for mercy and forgiveness for his brother and described Sheikh Ahmed as someone who would remain in the prayers and hearts of his family despite his passing.
He also prayed that Sheikh Ahmed would be granted a place in Paradise and that his family and loved ones would be given patience and solace.
The tribute reflected the close family relationship between the two brothers, with Sheikh Ahmed being the youngest brother of Sheikh Mohammed.
Who was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was the fourth and youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Ruler of Dubai.
He held a number of senior positions across Dubai’s public security, business and sporting sectors during his career.
Sheikh Ahmed served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security and was also associated with Dubai’s real estate and business sectors.
He served as Group Chairman of A.R.M. Holding and Dubai Real Estate Centre. He was also chairman of UAE Pro League club Al Wasl FC.
His career also included military service. According to UAE media reports, Sheikh Ahmed received military training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom before returning to Dubai and serving in the Central Military Zone.
Sheikh Ahmed’s role in Dubai sport
Sheikh Ahmed was closely associated with sports in Dubai, particularly football, horse racing and marine sports.
He was chairman of Al Wasl FC and played a long-standing role in the development of the club. He was also involved in the establishment and development of sporting institutions in Dubai.
His contributions extended beyond football. He was involved in the Dubai International Marine Club and played a role in the development of marine sports in the emirate.
He was also associated with horse racing and the development of Jebel Ali Racecourse, which became an important venue for the sport in the UAE.
Sheikh Hamdan mourns his uncle
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, also mourned Sheikh Ahmed.
Sheikh Hamdan described his uncle as someone who would remain in the hearts, memories and prayers of those who knew him. He prayed for Sheikh Ahmed’s mercy and for patience and solace for the Al Maktoum family and the people of Dubai and the UAE.
His message followed the announcement of the official mourning period across Dubai.
Ten days of mourning in Dubai
The Dubai Ruler’s Court declared 10 days of official mourning following Sheikh Ahmed’s death. Flags across Dubai will be flown at half-mast during the period.
The mourning period began on Monday, September 21, following the announcement of Sheikh Ahmed’s passing.
The Presidential Court also conveyed its condolences to Sheikh Mohammed and the Al Maktoum family, praying that God grants Sheikh Ahmed mercy and forgiveness and gives his family patience and solace.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s death marks the passing of a senior member of Dubai’s ruling family who held prominent responsibilities in security, business and sport.
His public service included senior roles in Dubai Police and Public Security, while his work in sport and business also connected him with several important institutions in the emirate.
As Dubai enters an official period of mourning, tributes continue to be shared for Sheikh Ahmed by members of the Al Maktoum family and public institutions across the UAE.
A life of public service
Beyond his official responsibilities, Sheikh Ahmed was a prominent figure in Dubai’s public life for several decades. His roles across security, business and sport reflected his involvement in some of the emirate’s key institutions.
His connection with Al Wasl FC was particularly notable, with the club becoming an important part of Dubai’s sporting landscape during his tenure as chairman. His wider involvement in horse racing and marine sports also reflected his long-standing interest in developing sporting activities in the emirate.
His passing has therefore been marked not only as a loss for the Al Maktoum family but also as the death of a senior figure who had held important responsibilities in Dubai’s public, business and sporting sectors.
