Who Was Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum? Dubai Ruler’s Brother Passes Away at 76; 10-Day Mourning Declared
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, younger brother of Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, died on September 21 at age 76. A Sandhurst-trained leader, he served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police, founded Jebel Ali Racecourse, and led major business ventures. Dubai has announced a 10-day official mourning period with flags flown at half-mast.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai, confirmed the death of his younger brother, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on Monday, September 21. Sheikh Ahmed, who served as the Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security, died on September 21 at the age of 76. In an official statement, the Dubai government declared a 10-day period of official mourning, during which flags across Dubai and the country will fly at half-mast.
The announcement was reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM), noting that the specific cause of his death has not been specified. In a personal tribute to his brother, the UAE PM hoped that al Maktoum had been "granted a place in Paradise and that his family and loved ones would find patience and solace." Lindsey Graham Dies: US Senator and Key Donald Trump Ally Passes Away at 71.
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Dies
Official Condolences and National Mourning
“With hearts steadfast in faith in the decree and destiny of God, the Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai—may God protect him—mourns the forgiven one, by the permission of God Almighty, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who has passed to the mercy of his Lord this morning, Monday,” read the official statement issued by the UAE PM's office.
The statement added that an official mourning period will take place over the next 10 days, and all flags will be lowered in Dubai for the same.
Taking to social media platform X, Sheikh Mohammed shared a personal message: “May Allah have mercy on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. May Allah have mercy on you, my brother. You are now with our Lord, the Most Generous, the Almighty. You are gone from our sight, Ahmed, but never from our prayers or our hearts.”
The Presidential Court also officially mourned his passing and communicated tribute to Sheikh Mohammed and the Al Maktoum family, according to WAM.
Who Was Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
Born in 1950, Sheikh Ahmed was a prominent member of Dubai’s ruling Al Maktoum family and completed his military training at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.
His subsequent career spanned Dubai’s security and defence institutions during pivotal stages of the emirate and the wider UAE’s foundational development. He served as the Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security, and Gulf Business also reported that he was linked with the UAE Armed Forces, earning widespread recognition from leadership across the federation for decades of public service.
Beyond government and defense administration, Sheikh Ahmed was specifically popular for his linkage with horse racing. He was closely related to Jebel Ali Racecourse and Jebel Ali Stables, establishing himself as an internationally recognised owner and breeder.
His racing interests included top-tier thoroughbreds that competed successfully in key competitions in Britain and Ireland. Among the most celebrated horses he owned was Mtoto, which won major flat races including the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Eclipse Stakes.
In addition to equestrian pursuits, he was closely related to Al Wasl Sports Club, with the connection dating back to its previous period as Al Zamalek, and he previously also served as its chairman and president.
Alongside sport and public service, Sheikh Ahmed was also engaged in Dubai’s business and property sectors. He was linked with A.R.M. Holding and Dubai Real Estate Centre, with associations reported across real estate, hospitality, and other commercial sectors.
His commercial involvement coincided directly with Dubai’s progression into an international commercial and tourism epicentre, while his public profile continued to feature prominently in international sporting circles until his passing.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 21, 2026 05:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).