The younger brother of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has died at the age of 76.
Authorities in Dubai have declared 10 days of official mourning following his death, with flags across the emirate ordered to fly at half-mast.
Mohammed, who also serves as the UAE’s vice-president and Prime Minister, expressed grief over his brother’s death in a message posted on social media.
“May God have mercy on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. May God have mercy on you, my brother,” he said.
“You are absent from our eyes but not from our prayers and hearts, O Ahmed. May God make you dwell in the vast expanses of His Paradise and inspire us and your loved ones with patience and solace.”
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also sent condolences to the ruler of Dubai.
He described Sheikh Ahmed’s contributions to the UAE’s development since the country’s establishment as significant, adding that his legacy would continue to serve as an inspiration for the nation’s progress.
Ahmed was the fourth and youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former vice-president and ruler of Dubai who played a key role in the emirate’s formation.
He held several senior positions across Dubai’s security, sports and business sectors, including responsibilities involving public security, horse racing and real estate.
He also served as chairman of the Dubai Police and Public Security sector and played an active role in the emirate’s horse-racing industry.
Ahmed was recognised for his contributions to the development of modern-day Dubai.