DUBAI — Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a senior member of Dubai’s ruling Al Maktoum family and younger brother of Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, died on Monday, September 21, 2026, at age 76.
The Dubai Ruler’s Court announced his death and declared 10 days of official mourning in Dubai beginning September 21. Flags will be flown at half-mast during the mourning period.
Who Was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
Sheikh Ahmed was one of the four sons of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who ruled Dubai from 1958 until 1990. His brothers included Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, while Sheikh Mohammed later became Dubai’s ruler in 2006.
His position within the Al Maktoum family placed him among Dubai’s senior royal figures, although much of his public career developed through security, military, business and sporting responsibilities.
What Did Sheikh Ahmed Do?
Sheikh Ahmed served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security and held responsibilities connected with Dubai’s security establishment.
He also developed interests in business and sport. His public profile included involvement with A.R.M. Holding, the Dubai Real Estate Centre and Al Wasl Football Club.
His sporting interests extended particularly to horse racing and football, areas in which he maintained a longstanding presence.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Horse Racing
Horse racing was an important part of Sheikh Ahmed’s public life.
He was associated with prominent thoroughbred racehorses, including Mtoto and Addeybb, and became a recognizable figure within the international racing community.
His involvement in racing formed part of a broader connection between Dubai’s ruling family and the development of the emirate’s equestrian and sporting culture.
His Military Background
Sheikh Ahmed also had a military background and was educated at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.
His career included senior military responsibilities, including service associated with Dubai’s Central Military Region.
His military and security roles preceded his later involvement in business and sporting organizations.
Sheikh Ahmed’s Family
Sheikh Ahmed was the younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who serves as Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
He was also an uncle of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
The Dubai Government’s official biography identifies Sheikh Ahmed as one of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s four sons.
How Did Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Die?
As of September 21, no cause of death had been publicly disclosed by the authorities.
The Dubai Ruler’s Court said Sheikh Ahmed passed away on Monday morning. The official announcement did not provide further medical details.
PassingHerald will update this report if an official source releases additional information about the circumstances of his death.
Tributes Following His Death
The announcement prompted condolences from senior UAE leaders and members of the ruling family.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid paid tribute to his brother, while the UAE Presidential Court also expressed condolences to Sheikh Mohammed and the Al Maktoum family.
The courts of other emirates also issued condolences following Sheikh Ahmed’s death.
Dubai Declares 10 Days of Mourning
Dubai’s official mourning period began on September 21 and will continue for 10 days. Flags are being flown at half-mast throughout the period.
The decision reflects Sheikh Ahmed’s position within the Al Maktoum family and his decades of involvement in public service, security, business and sport.
Remembering Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Sheikh Ahmed’s public life extended across several areas of Dubai’s development.
His work in security and military affairs formed one part of his career, while his involvement in business, football and horse racing gave him a broader public profile.
His death marks the loss of a senior member of the Al Maktoum family whose life was closely connected with Dubai’s public institutions and sporting community.
Further official information about his funeral arrangements or the circumstances of his death may follow through UAE government channels.