Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Passes Away at 76; Dubai Declares 10 Days of Mourning

Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the younger brother of Dubai's Ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026. Dubai has announced ten days of official mourning, with flags to fly at half-mast across the emirate.

Dubai is mourning the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who passed away on Monday morning at the age of 76.

The Court of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the news, declaring a ten-day period of official mourning beginning September 21. UAE flags will be flown at half-mast across Dubai during the mourning period.

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

Sheikh Mohammed pays tribute to his brother

Sheikh Mohammed shared a personal message mourning his brother, remembering him as someone who would remain in the family's hearts and prayers.

In his tribute, he wrote, "You are absent from our eyes but not from our prayers and hearts, O Ahmed." He also prayed for mercy for his brother and for patience and solace for his family and loved ones.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended his condolences to Sheikh Mohammed and the Al Maktoum family, saying Sheikh Ahmed's long-standing contributions to the development of the UAE since its founding continue to inspire the nation's journey of progress, and that his achievements "will remain vivid in memory."

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, also mourned his uncle, sharing a prayer asking for mercy and forgiveness on his behalf.

Who was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?

Born on July 12, 1950, Sheikh Ahmed was a member of Dubai's ruling family whose career extended across public service, business and sport.

He graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst before joining Dubai's Central Military Command, where he later became Commander-in-Chief, developing the base into one of the leading military installations in the UAE. He subsequently served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security.

Beyond his government responsibilities, Sheikh Ahmed was associated with major business and investment interests, including as Group Chairman of A.R.M. Holding and Dubai Real Estate Centre.

He also maintained a longstanding connection with Dubai's sporting community. Sheikh Ahmed served as president of Al Wasl Sports Club for more than six decades, and in the early 1990s he established the Jebel Ali Racecourse to promote horse racing in the UAE. He was also involved in founding the Dubai International Marine Club, serving as its first chairman when it launched in 1988.

Dubai announces official mourning

The ten-day mourning period began on Monday, September 21, 2026. The Ruler's Court confirmed that flags across Dubai will remain at half-mast during the official mourning period.

Sheikh Ahmed's passing marks the loss of a member of the generation closely associated with Dubai's development following the establishment of the United Arab Emirates. Condolences have been shared by the UAE's leadership and members of the Al Maktoum family.