Dubai is mourning the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the younger brother of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Ahmed died on Monday, September 21, at the age of 76. The Ruler's Court has declared 10 days of official mourning in Dubai, with flags to be flown at half-mast across the emirate.
What the evidence establishes
Sheikh Ahmed served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security and held longstanding roles across public service, business and sport. Born in Bur Dubai in 1950, he was the youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. His public service included military responsibilities during the UAE's formative years, while he later became closely associated with Al Wasl Sports Club, horse racing and business interests including A.R.M. Holding and Dubai Real Estate Centre. The UAE Presidential Court separately mourned his passing and extended condolences to Sheikh Mohammed and the Al Maktoum family.
The commercial reading
Tributes from across the UAE have reflected both Sheikh Ahmed's public contribution and the deeply personal loss for the Al Maktoum family. Sheikh Mohammed said his brother would remain in the family's prayers and hearts, while UAE leaders remembered a life connected to the country's development from its early years. At Gulf Business Review, our team extends its sincere condolences to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Al Maktoum family, Sheikh Ahmed's loved ones and the people of Dubai and the wider UAE. We join the many across the region remembering his decades of service and contribution.
What to watch next
Dubai's 10-day official mourning period began on September 21. Flags will remain at half-mast across the emirate during the period.
How to use this analysis
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Source and verification note
The reporting base for this article is Emirates News Agency: Dubai Ruler's Court mourns Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Emirates News Agency: Presidential Court mourns Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Gulf News: Key moments from Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's life and public service. The link is provided to the source page or release so readers can check the reporting period, definitions and later revisions. Figures are not extended beyond the source's geographic or institutional scope, and forecasts remain labelled as expectations until an official release records the outcome.