Dubai has declared 10 days of official mourning following the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, younger brother of UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Sheikh Ahmed died at the age of 76.
Authorities in the emirate directed that flags be flown at half-mast throughout the mourning period in honour of the late member of the ruling Al Maktoum family.
Sheikh Mohammed paid tribute to his brother in a social media message, asking for mercy for him and describing him as someone who would remain in the prayers and hearts of his family.
“May God have mercy on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. May God have mercy on you, my brother,” he wrote.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also expressed condolences to Sheikh Mohammed and the Al Maktoum family.
He described Sheikh Ahmed’s contributions to the UAE’s development since the country’s formation as significant, saying his legacy would continue to inspire the nation.
Sheikh Ahmed was the fourth and youngest son of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former ruler of Dubai and one of the figures associated with the establishment of the modern UAE.
He held senior positions spanning Dubai’s security, sports and business sectors, including the Dubai Police and Public Security sector, and was involved in horse racing and real estate.
His death has prompted an official period of mourning across Dubai as the emirate pays tribute to a prominent member of its ruling family.
Dubai declares 10-day mourning after ruler’s brother dies
