Dubai declares 10-day mourning for Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Flags to fly at half-mast across the emirate during official mourning
DUBAI – Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, younger brother of Dubai’s Ruler, has passed away at the age of 76, with Dubai declaring a 10-day period of official mourning.
The announcement was made on Monday by the Court of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Flags across the emirate will be flown at half-mast throughout the mourning period.
Sheikh Mohammed mourned his younger brother in a personal message shared on social media, praying for mercy and forgiveness and remembering Sheikh Ahmed as someone who would remain in the family’s prayers and hearts. He also asked for patience and solace for the family and loved ones.
The Court of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, mourns the passing of the late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum this morning, Monday. The Court has declared a ten-day period of official mourning… pic.twitter.com/lJxaYxM7BX
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) September 21, 2026
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, also paid tribute to his late uncle, sharing a prayer for mercy, forgiveness and peace.
رحم الله الشيخ أحمد بن راشد آل مكتوم.. نفقد اليوم عزيزاً من أهلنا، ونودّعه بقلوب مؤمنة بقضاء الله وقدره، سيبقى الشيخ أحمد في القلوب والذاكرة والدعاء، ونسأل الله أن يتغمّده بواسع رحمته، ويسكنه فسيح جناته، وأن يلهمنا ويلهم أهل دبي والإمارات الصبر والسلوان. إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون. pic.twitter.com/Y9bOQNeDMB
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) September 21, 2026
Official mourning
The 10-day mourning period began on Monday, following the announcement by the Ruler’s Court. The decision places flags across Dubai at half-mast as the emirate marks the passing of Sheikh Ahmed.
Sheikh Ahmed was the fourth and youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Vice-President and Ruler of Dubai who played a central role in the emirate’s development.
He served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Services and was President of Al Wasl Sports Club. His career also included a significant military role after graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK.
Sheikh Ahmed joined Dubai’s Central Military Region and later became its commander. During his leadership, the base developed into one of the UAE’s leading military facilities.
His contribution extended to Dubai’s maritime sporting sector. He played a key role in establishing and launching the Dubai International Marine Club and became its first chairman in 1988.
The club went on to become the first organisation of its kind in the Middle East and Africa to join the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), the international governing body for powerboating.
Sheikh Ahmed also supported the establishment of the Victory Team in 1989, which became closely associated with Dubai’s presence in international marine racing. The Victory Team continues to compete in major international powerboat championships, while the Dubai International Marine Club remains a major hub for marine sporting activities in the emirate.
The Dubai International Marine Club is currently preparing for its 2026-27 sporting season, with traditional dhow races and international marine competitions on its calendar.