Dubai declares 10-day mourning after emirate ruler’s brother dies

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DUBAI — Dubai has declared 10 days of official mourning following the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, younger brother of United Arab Emirates Vice-President, Prime Minister and Dubai ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

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Sheikh Ahmed died at the age of 76.

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Dubai authorities directed that flags across the emirate be flown at half-mast throughout the mourning period.

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Sheikh Mohammed mourned his brother in a message shared on social media, describing him as a loved one who would remain in the prayers and hearts of his family.

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“May God have mercy on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. May God have mercy on you, my brother,” he said.

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“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.”

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UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also extended his condolences to Sheikh Mohammed and the Al Maktoum family.

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He described Sheikh Ahmed’s contributions to the development of the UAE since the country’s founding as significant, saying his legacy would continue to inspire the nation’s progress.

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Sheikh Ahmed was the fourth and youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, former ruler of Dubai and a key figure in the establishment of the modern UAE.

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He held senior positions across Dubai’s security, sports and business sectors, including roles in public security, horse racing and real estate.

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He also served as chairman of the Dubai Police and Public Security sector and was closely involved in Dubai’s horse-racing industry.

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His death comes as Dubai mourns a member of the Al Maktoum ruling family who played a role in the emirate’s development across several sectors.

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