What is the UAE's official mourning period?

Dubai has announced a 10-day mourning period following the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid, the youngest brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. The period will commence on Monday and conclude on Wednesday, September 30. During this time, flags across the emirate will fly at half-mast at all ministries, departments, and government organizations.

Radio stations will broadcast prayers or Quranic verses instead of regular programming, and state-owned television channels will follow a similar pattern. Malls nationwide will play somber music. Major live entertainment events are expected to be cancelled, and official gatherings may be postponed during this time. The official mourning period can last anywhere from three to 40 days, but a specific public holiday is not automatically declared upon such a death.

Private businesses and educational institutions can continue operations as usual, with authorities confirming whether work and school closures are necessary during the mourning period. Following Sheikh Ahmed's death, tributes and condolences have been pouring in from various officials, including President Sheikh Mohamed, who paid a warm tribute to his brother for his contributions to the UAE's development.

Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X: "I extend my sincere condolences to [Sheikh] Mohammed bin Rashid on the passing of his brother Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose long-standing contributions to the development of the UAE since its founding continue to inspire our nation’s journey of progress." Similarly, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid expressed his condolences to Sheikh Mohammed on X, saying, "You are absent from our eyes, but not from our prayers and hearts."

Other senior officials, such as Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, and Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, have also offered their condolences and prayers for the family's solace.