Dubai Declares 10-Day Mourning as Ruler’s Brother, Sheikh Ahmed, Dies at 76

​Dubai has declared a ten-day period of official mourning following the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the younger brother of the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

​Sheikh Ahmed passed away on Monday at the age of 76. Following the announcement by the Dubai Media Office, flags across the emirate have been lowered to half-mast for the duration of the mourning period.

​In an emotional tribute posted on his official X handle, Sheikh Mohammed mourned his late brother, writing, “May Allah have mercy on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. May Allah have mercy on you, my brother. You are now with our Lord, the Most Generous, the Almighty. You are gone from our sight, Ahmed, but never from our prayers or our hearts.”

​Born on July 12, 1950, Sheikh Ahmed was the youngest son of Dubai’s founding ruler, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. After completing his studies at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, he served in prominent public security and military leadership roles, including Commander-in-Chief of Dubai’s Central Military Command and Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security.

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​Beyond his security and governance duties, Sheikh Ahmed was a monumental figure in international equestrian sports and business. He was widely recognized as a major patron of British horse racing—owning legendary racehorses such as Mtoto and Addeybb—and founded the historic Jebel Ali Racecourse in Dubai. He also served as the long-standing president of the Al Wasl Sports Club and led various corporate enterprises, including A.R.M. Holding.

​Tributes have poured in from leaders across the region, honoring his decades of public service, sporting legacy, and lifelong contribution to the development of the United Arab Emirates.