Sheikh Mohamed leads UAE condolences after death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan joined Rulers, Crown Princes and senior officials in Dubai to offer condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum following the death of his brother, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Sheikh Ahmed died on September 21, 2026 and was laid to rest at Umm Hurair cemetery following funeral prayers at Zabeel Grand Mosque. Dubai has declared 10 days of official mourning, with flags flown at half-mast.
UAE leaders gather at Zabeel Majlis
Sheikh Mohamed visited Zabeel Majlis to personally offer his condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
He was joined by the Rulers of Sharjah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah, as well as Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
Crown Princes from across the Emirates also attended, including Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, alongside senior sheikhs, ministers, officials and members of the community.
The gathering brought together leaders from across the UAE to support the Al Maktoum family and remember Sheikh Ahmed’s decades of public service.
Sheikh Mohammed performed funeral prayers for his brother
Earlier, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid attended the funeral prayer for Sheikh Ahmed at Zabeel Grand Mosque.
He was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
Sheikh Ahmed was subsequently buried at Umm Hurair cemetery in Dubai.
Condolences have continued at Zabeel Majlis, with members of the ruling families, government officials, diplomats, citizens and residents paying their respects.
Ten days of mourning in Dubai
The Ruler’s Court announced the death of Sheikh Ahmed on Monday and declared 10 days of official mourning in Dubai.
Flags across the emirate are being flown at half-mast during the mourning period.
Tributes have also come from across the UAE, with leaders and institutions remembering Sheikh Ahmed’s contribution to public life, business and sport.
Decades of service to Dubai
Sheikh Ahmed held several prominent positions during his career.
He served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and was Group Chairman of ARM Holding, a UAE private investment company.
He was also closely associated with the development of sport in Dubai.
As president of Al Wasl Sports Club, Sheikh Ahmed played a long-standing role in supporting the club and its teams through several decades of competition and growth.
His contribution also extended to equestrian sport. In 1990, he established Jebel Ali Racecourse, which became an important part of the UAE’s horse racing scene.
A lasting sporting legacy
Sheikh Ahmed’s connection with Al Wasl made him a particularly familiar figure within Dubai’s sporting community.
Under his leadership, the club achieved major successes across different periods, while his support helped strengthen its position within UAE sport.
His involvement in horse racing also reflected the Al Maktoum family’s long-standing connection with equestrian traditions.
These contributions formed an important part of the tributes offered following his death, alongside recognition of his wider public service since the early years of the UAE.
UAE leaders remember Sheikh Ahmed’s service
During the condolence gathering, the Rulers reflected on Sheikh Ahmed’s record of service and his contribution to the country since its formation.
The presence of leaders from across all seven Emirates highlighted the national significance of the moment and the close ties between the UAE’s ruling families.
For Dubai, the coming days will remain a period of mourning and remembrance for a member of the Al Maktoum family whose life was closely connected to the emirate’s government, business and sporting institutions.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum died on September 21, 2026, leaving behind a legacy spanning public service, investment and decades of support for sport in Dubai.
