His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum has paid tribute to Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum following his death on Monday, September 21, 2026, remembering him as a dear brother and longtime companion whose place in the hearts of Dubai’s people would endure.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, Chairman of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, shared the tribute on his X account following news of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid’s passing.
The death has prompted widespread condolences across the UAE, while Dubai has declared 10 days of official mourning.
The Dubai Ruler’s Court confirmed that Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid passed away on Monday morning and ordered flags across the emirate to be flown at half-mast throughout the mourning period.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Pays Tribute to Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid
In his message, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed reflected on his close personal relationship with Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid, describing the loss as that of both a brother and companion.
He said Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid had left a lasting impression on his life and that his memory, affection and place in Dubai would remain.
The tribute also included prayers for the late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid and words of support for his family, relatives and loved ones.
The message reflected the personal nature of a loss that has also been marked publicly across Dubai and the wider UAE.
Dubai Announces 10 Days of Official Mourning
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum passed away on September 21 at the age of 76.
Dubai’s Ruler’s Court announced 10 days of official mourning beginning Monday.
National flags across Dubai will be flown at half-mast during the mourning period.
The announcement was made by the Court of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The Presidential Court also issued a statement mourning Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid and extending condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and the wider Al Maktoum family.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Mourns His Brother
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also paid tribute to his younger brother following the announcement of his death.
The Dubai Ruler remembered Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid in a personal message and offered prayers for him while expressing the depth of the family’s loss.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid was the fourth and youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Ruler of Dubai.
Born in Bur Dubai on July 12, 1950, he became a prominent member of Dubai’s ruling family and held responsibilities spanning public service, security, business and sport.
Who Was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was the younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and a longstanding figure in Dubai’s public life.
His career stretched across several areas of the emirate’s development.
He served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security and previously held military responsibilities, including service as Commander of Dubai’s Central Military Zone.
Sheikh Ahmed was also associated with major business interests in Dubai, serving as Group Chairman of A.R.M. Holding and Dubai Real Estate Centre.
Beyond government and business, he developed a particularly strong association with sport.
A Long Association With Al Wasl
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid was closely connected with Al Wasl Sports Club and played an important role in its development.
He was among the club’s founding figures and served as its chairman for decades.
During his leadership, Al Wasl developed into one of the UAE’s prominent sporting institutions.
His association with the club became one of the most recognizable elements of his public life, linking him closely to generations of athletes and supporters in Dubai.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid and Horse Racing
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid was also a prominent figure in horse racing.
His involvement in the sport formed another important part of his public profile and reflected the Al Maktoum family’s longstanding association with equestrian competition.
His interests extended across racing and breeding, contributing to a sporting sector that has become closely associated with Dubai internationally.
Together with his involvement in football through Al Wasl, horse racing gave Sheikh Ahmed a significant presence in the UAE’s sporting community.
Decades of Public Service
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid’s life also coincided with the transformation of Dubai from a comparatively small Gulf trading centre into a major international city.
As a son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, he belonged to the generation of the ruling family closely connected to Dubai’s early period of rapid modernization.
His public responsibilities included roles connected with security and the military.
Reports on his life following his death have highlighted his service as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security as well as earlier military responsibilities.
His work later extended into business, property and sport.
UAE President Extends Condolences
Condolences following Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid’s death extended beyond Dubai.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed his sympathy to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and the Al Maktoum family.
The President recalled Sheikh Ahmed’s longstanding contributions to the UAE’s development since the country’s founding.
The Presidential Court separately mourned his passing and offered condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and the Al Maktoum family.
Tributes Across the UAE
Rulers’ Courts across the Emirates also issued messages of condolence following the announcement.
The Ruler’s Courts in Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain were among those issuing statements mourning Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid.
Their messages extended condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid’s family and the wider Al Maktoum family.
The response reflected Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid’s standing not only within Dubai but across the UAE.
A Personal Tribute From Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed
Among the messages shared following the death, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed’s stood out for its deeply personal character.
Rather than focusing primarily on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid’s official positions, his message reflected on friendship, family and memory.
He described the late Sheikh as someone whose influence on his life would not disappear with time.
He also said Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid’s memory would continue to live in the hearts of Dubai and its people.
The message concluded with prayers for Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid and for patience and strength for his family and loved ones.
Dubai Remembers Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid
The 10-day mourning period marks the significance of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid’s passing for Dubai.
His life crossed several important areas of the emirate’s development, from public security and military service to business, property, football and horse racing.
But the tributes following his death have also highlighted the person behind those positions.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed remembered him as a dear brother and companion, while Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid paid tribute to his younger brother and said he would remain in the family’s prayers and hearts.
Across the UAE, leaders and Rulers’ Courts have joined the Al Maktoum family in mourning.
For Dubai, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum leaves behind a legacy tied closely to the emirate’s public service, sporting history and development over several decades.
Read Also: The Best Cloud Service Providers in the UAE
