Dubai ruler’s brother Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid dies at 76, 10 days mourning declared: Tracing his life story from horse racing, public service & more

Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s younger brother, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, died on September 21 at the age of 76, as announced by the Dubai Ruler’s Court ad, which also declared 10 days of official mourning in Dubai, with flags to be flown at half-mast during that time. The announcement was reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Who was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?

Sheikh Ahmed was a prominent member of Dubai’s ruling Al Maktoum family and held roles across the military, public security, business and sporting sectors. He was the younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, who is also the United Arab Emirates’ Vice-President and Prime Minister.

Sheikh Ahmed was born in 1950 and secured military training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom. Thereafter, he served in Dubai’s military and security establishments, including as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security.

Military career and public service 

Sheikh Ahmed’s career spanned Dubai’s security and defence institutions during the emirate and the UAE’s development. Gulf Business also reported that he was linked with the UAE Armed Forces.

After his death, UAE leaders paid condolences for his public service. The Presidential Court officially mourned his passing and communicated tribute to Sheikh Mohammed and the Al Maktoum family, according to WAM.

From Horse Racing to Sports

Sheikh Ahmed was specifically popular for his linkage with horse racing. He was closely related to Jebel Ali Racecourse and Jebel Ali Stables and became an internationally recognised owner and breeder.

His racing interests included horses that competed successfully in key competitions in Britain and Ireland. Among the horses he owned was Mtoto, which won major races including the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Eclipse Stakes.

Also, he was closely related to Al Wasl Sports Club, with the connection dating back to its previous period as Al Zamalek, and he previously also served as its chairman and president.

Business and Real Estate Work

Besides sport and public service, Sheikh Ahmed was also engaged in Dubai’s business and property sectors. He was linked with A.R.M. Holding and Dubai Real Estate Centre, with associations reported across real estate, hospitality and other sectors.

His business engagement coincided with Dubai’s progression as an international commercial and tourism epicentre, while his public profile also stayed in the spotlight in horse racing and sports.

Ten-day Mourning in Dubai

The Dubai Ruler’s Court announced that the formal mourning would continue for 10 days from September 21, with flags lowered to half-mast across the country. The UAE Presidential Court separately issued a statement mourning Sheikh Ahmed’s death.