Dubai has declared 10 days of official mourning following the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on September 21, 2026. The Dubai Ruler’s Court announced the mourning period and ordered flags across the emirate to be flown at half-mast. Sheikh Ahmed, who died aged 76, was the younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and held senior roles in Dubai’s public security, business and sporting sectors.
- Location: Dubai, UAE
- Announced by: Dubai Ruler’s Court
- Mourning: 10 days from September 21, 2026
- Age at death: 76
- Family: Younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
- Key roles: Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security; chairman of A.R.M. Holding and Dubai Real Estate Centre; President of Al Wasl Sports Club
- Official measure: Flags across Dubai to fly at half-mast
- Next: Funeral prayer scheduled at Za’abeel Grand Mosque
Why has Dubai declared 10 days of mourning?
I extend my sincere condolences to Mohammed bin Rashid on the passing of his brother Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose longstanding contributions to the development of the UAE since its founding continue to inspire our nation’s journey of progress. May God rest his soul… pic.twitter.com/kR3ZqSHsnK
— ???? ?? ???? (@MohamedBinZayed) September 21, 2026
Dubai declared 10 days of official mourning following the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Monday, September 21, 2026. The Dubai Ruler’s Court announced the mourning period, with flags across the emirate to be flown at half-mast.
The announcement marks the death of a senior member of Dubai’s ruling Al Maktoum family who held public, business and sporting responsibilities in the emirate.
The UAE Presidential Court also issued condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Al Maktoum family following Sheikh Ahmed’s passing.
Who was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was a senior member of Dubai’s ruling family and the younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
He served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security and held senior business positions as Group Chairman of A.R.M. Holding and Dubai Real Estate Centre.
He was also the President of Al Wasl Sports Club, giving him a longstanding connection with Dubai football and the emirate’s wider sporting community.
His public roles therefore extended across security, real estate, business and sports.
What roles did Sheikh Ahmed hold in Dubai?
Sheikh Ahmed’s career included several positions linked to major parts of Dubai’s public and economic life.
As Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security, he was associated with one of the emirate’s key public-security institutions.
In the private sector, his leadership roles at A.R.M. Holding and Dubai Real Estate Centre connected him with Dubai’s real estate and investment landscape.
His association with Al Wasl also placed him within Dubai’s football community. The club is one of the emirate’s established sporting institutions and competes in the UAE’s professional football system.
These roles are documented parts of Sheikh Ahmed’s public profile and help explain the range of tributes following his death.
What was Sheikh Ahmed’s connection to Jebel Ali Racecourse?
Sheikh Ahmed had a longstanding connection with horse racing in Dubai, particularly through Jebel Ali Racecourse.
According to the Emirates Racing Authority, the Jebel Ali Racecourse track and grandstand were constructed in 1990 according to specifications laid down by Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and trainer Dhruba Selvaratnam.
The racecourse remains part of the UAE racing calendar and continues to host meetings in Dubai.
Sheikh Ahmed’s name has also remained associated with horse racing events and horses competing in the UAE, reflecting his long-term involvement in the sport.
This provides additional context to his sporting legacy beyond his role at Al Wasl.
What has Dubai’s leadership said about Sheikh Ahmed’s death?
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum paid tribute to his brother following his death, describing him as a dear member of the family and expressing condolences and prayers for him.
The UAE Presidential Court separately expressed condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and the Al Maktoum family.
The statements from the UAE leadership are official condolences. They should be distinguished from wider public commentary about Sheikh Ahmed’s legacy or influence.
The Dubai Ruler’s Court has not announced any additional changes to everyday public services as part of the mourning announcement.
When and where is Sheikh Ahmed’s funeral prayer?
The funeral prayer for Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is scheduled for 1pm on Tuesday, September 22, at Za’abeel Grand Mosque in Dubai, according to reports on the funeral arrangements.
The funeral prayer is separate from the 10-day official mourning period announced by the Dubai Ruler’s Court.
As of September 22, the confirmed official mourning measure remains the flying of flags at half-mast across Dubai during the announced period.
Sheikh Ahmed’s death is significant for Dubai because his public career touched several institutions and sectors within the emirate.
For residents, the immediate practical change is the 10-day official mourning period and the lowering of flags across Dubai.
His death is also relevant to Dubai’s sporting history. His association with Al Wasl and Jebel Ali Racecourse connects his legacy with both football and horse racing, two established parts of the UAE’s sporting culture.
For Dubai’s business community, his leadership positions at A.R.M. Holding and Dubai Real Estate Centre provide another important part of his public profile.
The next immediate development is the funeral prayer, followed by the continuation of the official mourning period.
FAQs
How long is Dubai’s mourning period for Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
Dubai has declared 10 days of official mourning following Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s death on September 21, 2026. Flags across the emirate will be flown at half-mast during the period.
When did Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum die?
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum died on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the age of 76.
Who was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
He was a senior member of Dubai’s ruling Al Maktoum family and the younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He held senior roles in Dubai Police and Public Security, business and sports.
Where will Sheikh Ahmed’s funeral prayer be held?
The funeral prayer is scheduled for 1pm on September 22, 2026, at Za’abeel Grand Mosque in Dubai, according to reports on the announced arrangements.
What will happen to flags in Dubai during the mourning period?
Flags across Dubai will be flown at half-mast throughout the 10-day official mourning period announced by the Dubai Ruler’s Court.
Dubai is observing 10 days of official mourning following the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The 76-year-old member of the Al Maktoum family held senior roles in public security, business and sport, with longstanding links to Al Wasl and Jebel Ali Racecourse. Flags will remain at half-mast across the emirate as official condolences and funeral arrangements continue.
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