Dubai Ruler’s Brother, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Dies; Declares 10 Days Of Mourning

Dubai has announced 10 days of mourning following the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

The National reports that Dubai Media Office announced that Sheikh Ahmed passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026, and that flags will be flown at half-staff during the official mourning period.

Mourning the death of his brother, Sheikh Mohammed said on social media: “You are absent from our eyes, but not from our prayers and hearts.”

UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Ahmed, hailing his long-standing contributions to the development of the Emirates since its founding.

“I extend my sincere condolences to Mohammed bin Rashid on the passing of his brother Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose long-standing contributions to the development of the UAE since its founding continue to inspire our nation’s journey of progress. May God rest his soul in eternal peace and mercy, and grant his loved ones comfort during this difficult time,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X.

According to the funeral arrangements released, the funeral prayer for Sheikh Ahmed will be held on Tuesday at 1pm at Zaabeel Grand Mosque in Dubai. Condolences will be received at the Zaabeel Majlis for three days, starting Tuesday at 4pm until maghrib prayer, and on Wednesday and Thursday from 10am until dhuhr prayer, and in the evening after asr prayer until maghrib.

The Presidential Court and the Rulers’ Courts across the Emirates also extended condolences to Sheikh Mohammed and his family.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, prayed for solace for the Maktoum family, saying “May God have mercy on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and envelop him in His vast mercy and forgiveness.”

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, also mourned his uncle. “Today, we lose a dear one from our family, and we bid him farewell with hearts faithful in God’s decree and destiny. Sheikh Ahmed will remain in our hearts, memory and prayers,” he wrote.

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, daughter of Sheikh Mohammed, said “Today we have lost a dear one in our hearts, and Dubai and the Emirates have lost one of their loyal men. He will remain present in our memory, and the memory of Dubai and its people… for what we knew of him in kindness and loyalty.”

The late Sheikh Ahmed was Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Group Chairman of ARM Holding, a UAE-based private investment firm. He was also the long-serving President of Al Wasl Sports Club, which he helped form from a small house in Zabeel in 1960. Under his guidance, Al Wasl FC won eight UAE Pro League titles.

Leaders from across the region including Bahrain’s King Hamad, Sultan Haitham of Oman and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have sent messages of condolence to the Dubai Ruler.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. His efforts to serve society will be cherished by generations to come,” Modi wrote.

During the mourning period in Dubai, official events have been suspended, radio stations will broadcast classical music, and the Dubai Fountain has been closed.

Dubai Media Office said work in ministries and departments may be suspended as a mark of respect.