Dubai has begun 10 days of mourning to mark the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Mourning the death of his brother, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said on social media: “You are absent from our eyes, but not from our prayers and hearts.”
President Sheikh Mohamed paid tribute to Sheikh Ahmed, hailing his contributions to the development of the Emirates.
“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,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X.
“May God rest his soul in eternal peace and mercy, and grant his loved ones comfort during this difficult time.”
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 during the morning from 10am until dhuhr prayer, and in the evening after asr prayer until the time of maghrib prayer.
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Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid passed away on September 21, Dubai Media Office reported. Photo: Dubai Media Office -
Sheikh Ahmed with Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed at the 2023-2024 Adnoc Pro League match. Photo: Dubai Media Office -
Sheikh Ahmed was President of Al Wasl Sports Club. Photo: Dubai Media Office -
Sheikh Ahmed crowning Al Wasl Club champions after their match against Al Nasr during the 26th round of the Adnoc Pro League. Photo: Dubai Media Office -
Sheikh Ahmed with his brother Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. Photo: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid -
Sheikh Ahmed Sheikh Mohammed at the latter's majlis. Photo: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid -
Sheikh Ahmed, centre, with his father Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum at a police graduation ceremony in the 1970s. Photo: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid
The Presidential Court and the Ruler's 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, offered his condolences to Sheikh Mohammed on the loss of his brother. He prayed for solace for the Maktoum family in their collective loss. "May God have mercy on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and envelop him in His vast mercy and forgiveness," he said.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, also mourned his uncle. He wrote: "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, and we ask God to envelop him in His vast mercy.”
Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, daughter of Sheikh Mohammed, paid tribute to her uncle. "Today we have lost a dear one in our hearts, and Dubai and the Emirates have lost one of their loyal men," she wrote. "[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, and for the path of love and giving he left behind, whose impact will never fade."
Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, also offered his condolences to the Dubai Ruler, wishing him and his family "patience and solace".
International support
Leaders from across the region pledged their support to the Dubai Ruler after the death of Sheikh Ahmed.
Bahrain's King Hamad and Sultan Haitham of Oman both sent messages of condolences to Sheikh Mohammed in a show of solidarity.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed with sympathies over the death of Sheikh Ahmed in a message on social media.
"Deeply saddened by the passing of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum," Mr Modi wrote. "His efforts to serve society will be cherished by generations to come.
"I convey heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of Dubai. May his soul rest in eternal peace."
Dubai Media Office said Sheikh Ahmed died on Monday and that flags would be flown at half-staff during official mourning.
Sheikh Ahmed was Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and held the role of Group Chairman of ARM Holding, a UAE-based private investment firm.
He was the long-serving President of Al Wasl Sports Club, being part of a group of young men who helped to form the organisation from a small house in Zabeel in 1960.
He was a driving force behind the club's rise for decades, from humble beginnings to sporting success across a variety of fields – from football and basketball to volleyball and handball.
Under his guidance, Al Wasl Football Club has cemented its status as one of the country's leading clubs, securing eight UAE Pro League titles. The club paid tribute to Sheikh Ahmed on its social media pages.
What is the UAE's mourning period?
When a member of an emirate's ruling family dies, the state enters a mourning period.
During the mourning period, flags in the emirate typically fly at half-staff. Work in ministries, departments and local government organisations may be suspended.
Radio stations broadcast classical music instead of regular programming, and state-owned television stations follow a similar show pattern. Most live entertainment events are typically cancelled, and official gatherings may be postponed during the period.
The mourning period is intended as a mark of respect, and life across the UAE takes on a more sombre tone.
