International
oi-Prakash KL
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the youngest son of Dubai’s founder and a longtime figure in the emirate’s military and sporting life, died Monday morning at 76, the Dubai Media Office said.
Dubai declared a 10-day official mourning period starting Monday, with flags to be flown at half-mast across the emirate.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, youngest son of Dubai’s founder and a prominent figure in the emirate’s military and sports, including Al Wasl SC and horse racing, died at 76, prompting a 10-day official mourning period in Dubai.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, mourned his brother in a social media message. “May God have mercy on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. May God have mercy on you, my brother. You have settled with a Generous and Great Lord. You are absent from our eyes but not from our prayers and hearts, O Ahmed,” he wrote.
“May God make you dwell in the vast expanses of His Paradise and inspire us and your loved ones with patience and solace. And to God we belong, and to Him we shall return.”
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan offered condolences to the Dubai Ruler. He said Sheikh Ahmed’s longstanding contributions to the UAE’s development since the country’s founding would “continue to inspire the nation’s journey of progress.”
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum paid tribute to his late uncle, describing him as a cherished member of the family who would “remain in our hearts, memories and prayers.” He prayed for God’s mercy and Paradise for Sheikh Ahmed and asked for patience and solace for his family and the people of Dubai and the UAE.
The fourth and youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, former Vice-President and Ruler of Dubai and the emirate’s founder, Sheikh Ahmed served as the Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Services and was president of Al Wasl Sports Club.
He graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK before joining the Dubai’s Central Military Region. He had served as its commander-in-chief and during his tenure, the region developed into one of the UAE’s leading military bases, according to a report in Khaleej Times.
Sheikh Ahmed’s connection to Al Wasl stretched across decades, and he led the club as president for some 60 years. Founded in Za’abeel in 1960 as Al Zamalek, it benefited from his early involvement: he helped establish its first board of directors in 1962 and served as chairman until 1974. He stayed closely tied to the club afterward and remained a supporter of sport across the UAE. Under his leadership, Al Wasl developed into one of the country’s leading sporting clubs, competing in football and other disciplines.
He was also instrumental in the growth of horse racing in the UAE. He set up Jebel Ali Racecourse to promote the sport and boost the country’s standing in international racing.
