Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Dies at 76; Dubai Declares 10-Day Mourning

Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the youngest son of Dubai’s founder and a longtime figure in the emirate’s military and sporting life, died on Monday morning at the age of 76, the Dubai Government Media Office said. Flags across the emirate will be flown at half-mast as Dubai observes a 10-day mourning period beginning Monday.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was the youngest son of Dubai’s founder and a prominent figure in the emirate’s military and sporting circles, with close associations with Al Wasl Sports Club and horse racing.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, mourned his brother’s death and shared a message on social media dedicated to him.

“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,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also offered his condolences to the Ruler of Dubai, saying Ahmed’s contributions to the UAE’s development since the country’s founding would continue to inspire its journey of progress.

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed also paid tribute to his late uncle, describing him as a cherished member of the family “who will remain in our hearts, memories and prayers”.

The Crown Prince prayed for God’s mercy and asked for paradise for the late Sheikh, while also seeking patience and solace for his family and the people of Dubai and the UAE.

Sheikh Ahmed served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Services and was president of Al Wasl Sports Club. He was the fourth and youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Vice President and Ruler of Dubai and one of the emirate’s founders.

Sheikh Ahmed joined Dubai’s Central Military Region after graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK.

According to a report by Khaleej Times, the region developed into one of the UAE’s leading military bases, with Sheikh Ahmed serving as its commander-in-chief. He also served as president of Al Wasl for decades, during which his connection with the club flourished.

Founded in Za’abeel in 1960, Al Wasl benefited from his early involvement. He helped establish the club’s first board of directors in 1962 and served as chairman until 1974. He remained closely associated with the club afterwards and continued to support sport across the UAE.

Under his leadership, Al Wasl developed into one of the country’s leading sporting clubs, competing in multiple disciplines. Sheikh Ahmed was also instrumental in promoting horse racing in the UAE. He established Jebel Ali Racecourse to promote the sport and strengthen the country’s standing in international racing.