Dubai has begun 10 days of mourning following the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a senior member of Dubai’s ruling family who served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and long-serving President of Al Wasl Sports Club.
The Dubai Media Office said Sheikh Ahmed died on Monday, with flags to be flown at half-mast during the official mourning period.
His brother, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, mourned his death on social media, writing: “You are absent from our eyes, but not from our prayers and hearts.”
President Sheikh Mohamed paid tribute to Sheikh Ahmed, highlighting his contribution to the development of the UAE.
“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.”
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also offered his condolences to Sheikh Mohammed on the loss of his brother and prayed for solace for the Al Maktoum family.
“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, 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, and we ask God to envelop him in His vast mercy,” he wrote.
Sheikh Ahmed also served as Group Chairman of ARM Holding, a UAE-based private investment firm.
He was closely associated with Al Wasl Sports Club for decades and was part of a group of young men who helped establish the organisation in a small house in Zabeel in 1960.
As the club’s long-serving president, he played a central role in its development from its modest beginnings into a multi-sport organisation spanning football, basketball, volleyball and handball.
Under his leadership, Al Wasl Football Club established itself as one of the country’s leading clubs, winning eight UAE Pro League titles. The club paid tribute to Sheikh Ahmed following his death.
What is Dubai’s mourning period?
When a member of an emirate’s ruling family dies, the emirate enters an official mourning period. Flags are typically flown at half-mast, while government departments and organisations may suspend work.
Radio stations may broadcast classical music instead of regular programming, while state television stations follow similar schedules. Live entertainment events are generally cancelled and official gatherings may be postponed.
The mourning period serves as a mark of respect, with public life across the emirate taking on a more sombre tone.
