Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammed leads tributes as brother dies aged 76

Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the younger brother of Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, passed away on September 21, 2026, at the age of 76. The Dubai ruler's court announced his death and declared a 10-day period of official mourning across the emirate, with flags being flown at half-mast as part of the remembrance.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, who serves as the UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister as well as the ruler of Dubai, expressed his condolences to the Al Maktoum family. Sheikh Ahmed was a prominent member of Dubai's ruling Al Maktoum family and had served in numerous military, security, business, and sporting roles. Born in 1950, he received military training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK before joining Dubai's military and security establishments.

His career included serving as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security, as well as roles in Dubai's wider security and public-service institutions. In addition to his security roles, Sheikh Ahmed held positions such as Group Chairman of A.R.M. Holding and Dubai Real Estate Centre, and was the chairman of UAE Pro League club Al Wasl FC.

He was also involved in the development of Jebel Ali Racecourse and served as the club's chairman during their 2006/07 UAE League championship-winning season. As the Dubai ruler's court announced the official mourning period, leaders and officials across the UAE extended their sympathies to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and the Al Maktoum family.