Dubai Mourns Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; 10-Day Mourning Declared

Dubai, UAE — Dubai is mourning the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who passed away on Monday morning at the age of 76. The Dubai Media Office confirmed the news, announcing that an official 10-day mourning period has been declared across the emirate, effective immediately, with flags to be flown at half-mast.

Sheikh Ahmed was the fourth and youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Vice-President and Ruler of Dubai, and the brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

A Legacy of Service and Sport

Sheikh Ahmed lived a life dedicated to public service, sports, and the development of Dubai. He served as the Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Services. A graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK, he joined Dubai’s Central Military Region and later became its commander-in-chief, transforming it into one of the UAE’s leading military bases. He was also a prominent figure in real estate through A.R.M. Holding.

His impact on the sporting world was profound. He had a decades-long association with Al Wasl Sports Club, serving as its president for approximately 60 years. Originally known as Al Zamalek, the club was founded in 1960, and Sheikh Ahmed helped form its first board of directors in 1962. Under his leadership, Al Wasl grew into one of the country’s most prominent sporting clubs.

Sheikh Ahmed also played a major role in the development of horse racing in the UAE. He established the Jebel Ali Racecourse, Al Adiyat, and the Dubai Horse Racing Centre to promote the sport and strengthen the UAE’s international presence. In maritime sports, he was closely involved in establishing the Dubai International Marine Club, becoming its first chairman in 1988, and played a key role in founding the Victory Team in 1989.

Heartfelt Tributes

Tributes have poured in from across the nation, led by his brother, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, the Ruler of Dubai mourned his brother, saying: “May God have mercy on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. May God have mercy on you, my brother. You have settled with a Generous and Great Lord. You are absent from our eyes but not from our prayers and hearts, O Ahmed.”

He added, “May God make you dwell in the vast expanses of His Paradise and inspire us and your loved ones with patience and solace. And to God we belong, and to Him we shall return.”

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also paid a heartfelt tribute to his late uncle. He described Sheikh Ahmed as a cherished member of the family, stating he would “remain in our hearts, memories and prayers.” Sheikh Hamdan prayed for God’s mercy and Paradise for Sheikh Ahmed and asked for patience and solace for his family and the people of Dubai and the UAE.

The sudden passing of Sheikh Ahmed leaves behind a profound legacy in public security, sports, and equestrianism, with his contributions deeply woven into the fabric of Dubai’s history and development.