Dubai has declared 10 days of official mourning following the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, younger brother of UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Sheikh Ahmed, 76, died as authorities directed that flags across the emirate be flown at half-mast throughout the mourning period.
Sheikh Mohammed paid tribute to his brother in a message shared on social media, saying he would remain in the prayers and hearts of the family.
“May God have mercy on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. May God have mercy on you, my brother,” he said.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also offered condolences to Sheikh Mohammed and the Al Maktoum family, describing Sheikh Ahmed’s contributions to the UAE since its founding as significant.
He said Sheikh Ahmed’s legacy would continue to inspire the country’s development.
Sheikh Ahmed was the fourth and youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former ruler of Dubai and one of the key figures in the establishment of the modern UAE.
He held senior positions across Dubai’s security, sports and business sectors, including roles in public security, horse racing and real estate.
Sheikh Ahmed also served as chairman of the Dubai Police and Public Security sector and played a prominent role in Dubai’s horse-racing industry.
His death marks the loss of a senior member of Dubai’s ruling family who was involved in the emirate’s development across several key sectors.
