Dubai declares 10-day mourning as ruler’s brother dies

Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, younger brother of Dubai’s Ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has passed away.

He died on Monday, according to a tweet via the official X handle of the Government of Dubai Media Office.

Ahmed died at the age of 76, according to The Independent on Monday.

The Vice President’s office also declared an official mourning period and the lowering of flags in Dubai for ten days.

With hearts steadfast in faith in the decree and destiny of God, the Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai—may God protect him—mourns the forgiven one, by the permission of God Almighty, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who has passed to the mercy of his Lord this morning, Monday.

The Office has declared an official mourning period and the lowering of flags in Dubai for ten days, commencing from this Monday.

“Indeed, to God we belong, and to Him we shall return,” the tweet read.

Mohammed, who is also the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, paid tribute to his brother in a statement.

“May Allah have mercy on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. May Allah have mercy on you, my brother. You are now with our Lord, the Most Generous, the Almighty,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote.

“You are gone from our sight, Ahmed, but never from our prayers or our hearts,” read the statement.

The Independent reported that Ahmed served as deputy chair of Dubai Police and Public Security.

It said he was a prominent figure in international horse racing, owning high-profile British racehorses including Mtoto and Addeybb, as well as the Jebel Ali racecourse in Dubai.

The Dubai Racing Club paid tribute to his decades of dedicated service and lasting legacy in UAE sports and equestrianism, the report stated.