Dubai Declares 10 Days of Mourning Following Death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Youngest Brother of Ruler Sheikh Mohammed

Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, youngest brother of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, died on the morning of Monday, September 21, 2026, at the age of 76. The Court of Sheikh Mohammed announced his passing and declared 10 days of official mourning across the emirate, with flags to be flown at half-mast from Monday. Sheikh Ahmed was the youngest of four sons of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, former Ruler of Dubai, and was predeceased by his elder brothers Sheikh Maktoum and Sheikh Hamdan. Born on July 12, 1950, Sheikh Ahmed graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst before joining the Central Military Command in Dubai, where he later became Commander-in-Chief. He served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security, Group Chairman of ARM Holding, a private investment firm, and became patron of Al Wasl Sports Club in 1962 when it moved to new premises under his and Sheikh Butti bin Maktoum Al Maktoum's patronage. He later served as the club's long-standing president, guiding it to eight UAE Pro League football titles. In thoroughbred racing, his yellow and black silks carried numerous top-flight winners over five decades, including Mtoto, Tobougg, 1,000 Guineas winners Ameerat and Elmalka, and Champion Stakes winner Addeybb. This year alone he had two Group 1 winners, with Almaqam taking the Tattersalls Gold Cup and Saddadd winning the Grosser Preis von Baden just two weeks ago. Sheikh Mohammed paid tribute to his brother on social media, writing that Sheikh Ahmed had settled with a Generous and Great Lord and was absent from sight but not from prayers and hearts. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended condolences, noting Sheikh Ahmed's longstanding contributions to the development of the UAE since its founding. Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and UAE Finance Minister Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed also mourned the loss.