Dubai Declares 10 Days of Mourning Following the Death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

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The office of the Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, mourned on Monday the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who died this morning. He was the son of the former Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum, and the younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. The office announced an official mourning period and the lowering of flags in Dubai for ten days, starting from Monday.

The deceased was the fourth and youngest son of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who ruled Dubai from 1958 until his death in 1990, and was one of the founding fathers of the United Arab Emirates. He played a pivotal role in laying the foundations of modern economic and urban development in Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid mourned his late brother, saying: "May Allah have mercy on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum... May Allah have mercy on you, my brother... You have returned to a generous and great Lord... You are absent from our eyes but not from our prayers and hearts, O Ahmed." He added: "May Allah grant you a place in His vast gardens... and inspire us and your loved ones with patience and solace... Indeed, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return."

Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid held the position of Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai, and his name has been associated for decades with several sports fields, primarily football, horse racing, and marine sports.

The deceased graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Britain before joining the military and taking command of the Central Military Region base in Dubai.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid's presence in the Emirati sports scene, particularly through Al Wasl Club, was prominent, as he had been associated with it since his early years and held the presidency for a long time. He was also one of the most prominent supporters of the club's journey and development, earning the nickname "the spiritual father" of Al Wasl among its fans.

The name of the deceased was also associated with equestrian sports and horse racing, and he had a significant presence in the development of this sport in Dubai, especially through the Jebel Ali racetrack, which became one of the most prominent horse racing venues in the UAE.

His relationship with horse racing extended for more than four decades, with his horses participating in local and international races, achieving victories in global arenas, while his stables were known for their yellow and black colors.

His sports activities were not limited to football and equestrianism, as he contributed to the establishment of the Dubai International Marine Sports Club and served as its president upon its founding in the late 1980s, during a phase that witnessed the launch of Emirati marine sports towards international competitions.