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UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has mourned the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, brother of Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Sheikh Ahmed died on Monday morning, prompting tributes from senior UAE leaders. He was 76.
In a message shared on X, Sheikh Mohamed extended his “sincere condolences and sympathy” to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and the Al Maktoum family. He also remembered Sheikh Ahmed for his longstanding contributions to the development of the UAE since the country’s founding.
"May God rest his soul in eternal peace and mercy and grant his loved ones comfort during this difficult time," he wrote.
Sheikh Ahmed’s military and public service
Sheikh Ahmed was the fourth son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. He graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Britain in 1975 and later served as commander of Dubai’s Central Military base during the 1980s.
Sheikh Ahmed held several prominent positions during his career. He served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security, as well as Group Chairman of ARM Holding and Dubai Real Estate Centre. He was also the President of Al Wasl Sports Club and served as the second deputy ruler of Dubai.
Sheikh Mohammed mourns his brother
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, who is also the UAE’s Vice-President and Prime Minister, mourned his brother in a message shared on social media.
"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. May God make you dwell in the vast expanses of His Paradise... and inspire us and your loved ones with patience and solace... And to God we belong, and to Him we shall return," he wrote.
10 days of official mourning
On Monday, the Dubai Ruler’s Court expressed condolences over the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and announced a period of official mourning across the emirate.
The 10-day mourning period began today, during which flags across Dubai will be flown at half-mast.
In a message shared on X, Sheikh Mohamed extended his “sincere condolences and sympathy” to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and the Al Maktoum family. He also remembered Sheikh Ahmed for his longstanding contributions to the development of the UAE since the country’s founding.
"May God rest his soul in eternal peace and mercy and grant his loved ones comfort during this difficult time," he wrote.
I
extend my sincere condolences to Mohammed bin Rashid on the passing of his brother Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose longstanding contributions to the development of the UAE since its founding continue to inspire our nation’s journey of progress. May God rest his soul… pic.twitter.com/kR3ZqSHsnK
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) September 21, 2026
Sheikh Ahmed’s military and public service
Sheikh Ahmed was the fourth son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. He graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Britain in 1975 and later served as commander of Dubai’s Central Military base during the 1980s.
Sheikh Ahmed held several prominent positions during his career. He served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security, as well as Group Chairman of ARM Holding and Dubai Real Estate Centre. He was also the President of Al Wasl Sports Club and served as the second deputy ruler of Dubai.
Sheikh Mohammed mourns his brother
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, who is also the UAE’s Vice-President and Prime Minister, mourned his brother in a message shared on social media.
"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. May God make you dwell in the vast expanses of His Paradise... and inspire us and your loved ones with patience and solace... And to God we belong, and to Him we shall return," he wrote.
رحم الله الشيخ أحمد بن راشد آل مكتوم..
رحمك الله يا أخي … حللت عند رب كريم عظيم .. تغيب عن أعيننا ولا تغيب عن دعائنا وقلوبنا يا أحمد.
أسكنك الله فسيح جنانه .. وألهمنا وأحبابك الصبر والسلوان.. وإنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون . pic.twitter.com/asvSZAb4BL
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) September 21, 2026
10 days of official mourning
On Monday, the Dubai Ruler’s Court expressed condolences over the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and announced a period of official mourning across the emirate.
The 10-day mourning period began today, during which flags across Dubai will be flown at half-mast.
