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

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.

Sheikh Ahmed died at the age of 76.

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

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.

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

“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.”

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.