Dubai is mourning the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a senior member of the Al Maktoum ruling family who played prominent roles in the emirate’s military, security, business and sporting life. Sheikh Ahmed passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the age of 76, prompting an official mourning period in Dubai and an outpouring of condolences from UAE leaders, government institutions and international sporting organisations.
The death was announced by the Court of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Ahmed was Sheikh Mohammed’s younger brother and the fourth and youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Ruler of Dubai and one of the key figures in the emirate’s modern development.
The announcement has brought renewed attention to Sheikh Ahmed’s decades-long public life and his involvement in several institutions that became important to Dubai’s development.
Dubai Declares 10 Days of Mourning
Following the announcement of Sheikh Ahmed’s death, the Dubai Ruler’s Court declared 10 days of official mourning, beginning September 21. During the mourning period, flags across Dubai are being flown at half-mast as a mark of respect.
The announcement from the Dubai Ruler’s Court conveyed condolences to the Al Maktoum family and mourned the passing of Sheikh Ahmed.
The mourning was not limited to Dubai. Ruler’s Courts in several other emirates also issued condolences following the death. Official statements from Fujairah, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain and other emirates expressed sympathy to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the wider Al Maktoum family.
Who Was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
Sheikh Ahmed belonged to the generation of the Al Maktoum family that witnessed Dubai’s transformation from a regional trading centre into a global city.
He was the youngest son of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and the younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. His family background placed him close to the leadership of Dubai during a period of rapid economic, infrastructure and institutional development.
Sheikh Ahmed received military education in Britain and graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1975. After returning to Dubai, he joined the emirate’s Central Military Command and later became its commander.
His career subsequently included senior responsibilities in Dubai’s security establishment. He later served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security, making security and public service a significant part of his professional life.
His career, however, extended well beyond military and police responsibilities.
Role in Dubai’s Business Sector
Sheikh Ahmed was also involved in Dubai’s private-sector development. He served as Group Chairman of A.R.M. Holding, a private investment group with interests across a range of industries.
The group’s portfolio has included real estate, hospitality and banking, alongside newer areas such as health technology, sustainable food, mobility, fintech and cultural initiatives.
A.R.M. Holding’s real-estate activities have included developments and property-management businesses associated with Dubai’s growth.
His business involvement represented another side of his contribution to Dubai, complementing his earlier public-service career.
A Major Figure in Al Wasl’s History
One of Sheikh Ahmed’s most visible sporting associations was with Al Wasl Sports Club.
He was closely associated with the club from its early years and served as its president. The club’s history goes back to the early 1960s, when it was known as Al Zamalek. Under the patronage and leadership associated with Sheikh Ahmed, it developed into Al Wasl, one of Dubai’s best-known sporting institutions.
His involvement was not limited to football. He also supported other sporting activities and was associated with the development of sporting institutions in Dubai.
Sheikh Ahmed was involved in the establishment of the Dubai International Marine Club, founded in 1988, and served as its first president. He was also connected with the development of powerboat racing through the Victory Team.
These activities contributed to Dubai’s emergence as a destination for international sporting events.
Sheikh Ahmed and Jebel Ali Racecourse
Perhaps one of the most enduring parts of Sheikh Ahmed’s sporting legacy was his connection with horse racing.
He was closely involved in the creation of Jebel Ali Racecourse, working with trainer Dhruba Selvaratnam on its technical design. Construction of the track and grandstand was completed in 1990, with racing beginning at the venue in 1991.
The racecourse became an important part of Dubai’s horse-racing infrastructure, while Sheikh Ahmed also operated the adjoining Jebel Ali Stables.
According to figures cited by the Emirates Racing Authority, Sheikh Ahmed recorded hundreds of victories as an owner over his racing career, becoming one of the prominent figures associated with thoroughbred racing in the UAE.
His distinctive yellow-and-black racing colours became familiar on international racecourses.
International Horse-Racing Legacy
Sheikh Ahmed’s reputation in thoroughbred racing extended far beyond the UAE.
His horses achieved victories in major international races. His ownership and breeding operation was associated with horses including Mtoto, who won the King George; Tobougg, winner of the Dewhurst Stakes; Ameerat and Elmalka, winners of the 1,000 Guineas; and Addeybb, winner of the Champion Stakes.
His involvement in the sport continued into 2026. Two homebred horses associated with Sheikh Ahmed achieved Group 1 victories during the year: Almaqam, winner of the Tattersalls Gold Cup, and Saddadd, who won the Grosser Preis von Baden.
Racing organisations paid tribute to him following his death, highlighting his contribution to ownership and breeding.
Tributes From UAE Leadership
The death prompted condolences from the UAE’s highest levels of government.
The Presidential Court issued a statement mourning Sheikh Ahmed and extending condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Al Maktoum family.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also expressed condolences, referring to Sheikh Ahmed’s longstanding contributions to the development of the UAE since its founding.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also mourned his younger brother. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, expressed his grief following the death of his uncle.
India Expresses Condolences
The death also drew a response from India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on September 21, saying he was deeply saddened by Sheikh Ahmed’s passing and conveying sympathy to the Royal Family and the people of Dubai.
Modi said Sheikh Ahmed’s efforts to serve society would be remembered by generations to come.
The response comes amid the longstanding economic, cultural and people-to-people links between India and the UAE.
Funeral and Condolence Arrangements
The funeral prayer for Sheikh Ahmed was scheduled for 1pm on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Za’abeel Grand Mosque in Dubai.
The Za’abeel Majlis was also scheduled to receive mourners for three days. Condolences were to be received during designated morning and afternoon periods.
The arrangements reflect Sheikh Ahmed’s position within the Al Maktoum family and the significance of his death in Dubai’s public life.
A Life Spanning Public Service, Business and Sport
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s career covered several different areas of Dubai’s development.
He served in the military and security establishment, held senior public responsibilities, participated in business through A.R.M. Holding, led Al Wasl Sports Club and became a major figure in international horse racing.
His work with Jebel Ali Racecourse and his involvement in thoroughbred breeding gave him a profile that extended well beyond the UAE.
His career also coincided with a transformative period in Dubai’s history. During his lifetime, the emirate developed from a relatively small Gulf trading centre into a major international hub for finance, tourism, aviation, real estate, business and sport.
His death therefore marks the passing of a senior member of the Al Maktoum family whose public life was connected to several stages of Dubai’s modern development.
Dubai Remembers Sheikh Ahmed
As Dubai enters its official 10-day mourning period, attention is focused on Sheikh Ahmed’s family, his decades of public service and the institutions with which he was associated.
From his military education at Sandhurst and leadership roles in Dubai’s security establishment to his involvement in business, Al Wasl and international horse racing, his career crossed multiple sectors.
The official mourning period, funeral arrangements and widespread condolences across the UAE mark a significant moment for the Al Maktoum family and Dubai.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum died on September 21, 2026, aged 76. He leaves behind a public record spanning military and security service, business, football, marine sports and thoroughbred racing. Dubai will observe 10 days of official mourning, with flags flown at half-mast, while condolences are being received by the family.