Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has passed away at the age of 76, with Dubai declaring 10 days of official mourning and UAE leaders paying tribute to his decades of public service.
DUBAI: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the younger brother of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026. He was 76.
The Dubai Ruler’s Court announced his passing on Monday morning and declared 10 days of official mourning across the emirate. UAE flags in Dubai will be flown at half-mast throughout the mourning period
Sheikh Mohammed pays tribute to his brother
Sheikh Mohammed paid an emotional tribute to his younger brother, praying for mercy and remembering him as someone who would remain in the family’s prayers and hearts.
“You are gone from our sight, Ahmed, but never from our prayers or our hearts,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote in his tribute.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, also offered his condolences, highlighting Sheikh Ahmed’s longstanding contributions to the country’s development since its founding.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, also mourned his uncle and offered prayers for mercy and forgiveness.
Who was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
Born on July 12, 1950, Sheikh Ahmed was the fourth and youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, former Ruler of Dubai and one of the key figures in the emirate’s transformation.
Sheikh Ahmed served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security and held leadership roles across business and sport. He was Group Chairman of A.R.M. Holding and Dubai Real Estate Centre and was closely associated with Al Wasl Football Club.
A lasting connection with horse racing
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid was also a prominent figure in the UAE’s horse racing community. He founded Jebel Ali Racecourse and built a longstanding presence in thoroughbred racing, contributing to a sport deeply connected with the UAE’s heritage and international profile.
His public service extended across several decades, including roles connected with security, sport, business and philanthropy.
Dubai begins 10 days of mourning
The official mourning period began on Monday, September 21, with flags lowered to half-mast across Dubai. The declaration is an official mark of respect and does not automatically mean that government offices, schools or private businesses will close.
Tributes from across the UAE have remembered Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid for his service to Dubai and his contributions to the country’s development.
Impact to expect
Dubai will observe 10 days of official mourning, with flags at half-mast across the emirate. His passing also marks the loss of a senior member of the Al Maktoum family whose public service spanned security, business, sport and community initiatives
