Dubai Mourns Sheikh Ahmed’s Enduring Legacy

Dubai has declared ten days of official mourning following the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the youngest brother of Dubai’s ruler and UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Sheikh Ahmed died at the age of 76, according to the Dubai Media Office. The mourning period began on Monday and will continue until 1 October, with flags flown at half-mast throughout the emirate. Sheikh Mohammed paid tribute to his brother on X, writing, “You are absent from our eyes but not from our prayers and hearts.” Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum also offered condolences, while UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan praised Sheikh Ahmed’s contribution to the country’s development since its founding. The article outlines Sheikh Ahmed’s wide-ranging public, business, sporting and charitable roles. He served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security and chaired ARM Holding, a major private investment company with interests in real estate, hospitality, health technology, telecommunications and banking. He founded the Dubai Real Estate Centre in 1991, which later managed more than 3,200 properties. Sheikh Ahmed was also a prominent figure in UAE sports. He founded Al Wasl Sports Club in 1960 and remained its president for decades, helping it become one of the country’s most successful football clubs. He later established the Dubai International Marine Club, helped launch the Victory Team powerboat operation, founded Jebel Ali Racecourse and helped create the Dubai Racing Club. These initiatives contributed to Dubai’s international profile in football, marine sports and equestrian competition. He was also recognized for philanthropic activities and support for charitable and community initiatives across the UAE.

The article commemorates Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s decades-long contribution to sport in the United Arab Emirates following the announcement of his death on September 21, 2026. It focuses particularly on his leadership of Al Wasl Sports Club and his role in establishing Dubai as an international centre for horse racing. Sheikh Ahmed was among the young men who founded Al Wasl in a small house in Zabeel in 1960 and later served as the club’s long-standing president. Under his guidance, the organisation expanded across football, basketball, volleyball and handball. Al Wasl Football Club won eight UAE Pro League titles, competed in continental competitions and was named the UAE’s “Club of the Century” for the 1999-2000 season by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics. His influence extended to horse racing. In 1990, Sheikh Ahmed founded Jebel Ali Racecourse and its adjoining stable, helping establish the infrastructure and sporting culture that supported Dubai’s emergence as a global racing destination. The racecourse held its first meetings in 1991, with renowned jockey Lester Piggott among the early riders. The inaugural Dubai World Cup followed in 1996 and has since become one of the world’s richest races. The article also highlights Sheikh Ahmed’s own record as a racehorse owner, including major European victories by Wassl in the 1983 Irish 2,000 Guineas and Lockinge Stakes. Dubai Racing Club described his legacy as an enduring contribution to sport, equestrianism and horse racing. Jebel Ali Racecourse is expected to be preserved as part of a major urban redevelopment plan, ensuring that the venue continues to symbolise Sheikh Ahmed’s impact. UAE leaders and sporting organisations have paid tribute to his dedication and service to the country.

Dubai has declared 10 days of official mourning following the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the age of 76. Sheikh Ahmed was the youngest brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. The mourning period began on Monday, September 21, and will continue until Wednesday, September 30. During mourning periods in the UAE, flags at ministries, government departments and other official organisations typically fly at half-mast. Radio stations may broadcast prayers or Quranic verses instead of regular programming, while state-owned television channels follow similar schedules. Malls commonly play sombre music, live entertainment is generally cancelled, and official gatherings may be postponed. Official mourning periods can last from three to 40 days. The longest period is generally reserved for the deaths of the most senior national leaders. Mourning does not automatically result in a public holiday, and private businesses and educational institutions may continue operating unless authorities issue specific instructions. Following the deaths of UAE Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 2004 and President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2022, 40-day mourning periods were declared. After Sheikh Khalifa’s death, work at federal, local and private entities was suspended for three days. The article also reports tributes from UAE leaders. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed praised Sheikh Ahmed’s longstanding contribution to the country’s development. Sheikh Mohammed expressed his grief, while Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed offered condolences and prayers for the family. Earlier in the month, Sharjah declared three days of mourning after the death of Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi.