Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a senior member of Dubai’s ruling family and brother of UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, died on Monday morning at the age of 76, according to the Dubai Media Office.
Dubai declared 10 days of official mourning, beginning Monday, with flags to be flown at half-mast across the emirate.
Sheikh Mohammed, the Ruler of Dubai, paid an emotional tribute to his younger brother on social media.
“May God have mercy on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. May God have mercy on you, my brother. You have settled with a Generous and Great Lord. You are absent from our eyes but not from our prayers and hearts, O Ahmed,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote.
“May God make you dwell in the vast expanses of His Paradise and inspire us and your loved ones with patience and solace. And to God we belong, and to Him we shall return.”
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also offered his condolences, saying Sheikh Ahmed’s longstanding contributions to the UAE’s development since its founding would “continue to inspire the nation’s journey of progress”.
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum remembered his uncle as a cherished member of the family who would “remain in our hearts, memories and prayers”. He prayed for mercy for Sheikh Ahmed and for patience and comfort for his family and the people of Dubai and the UAE.
Sheikh Ahmed served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Services and was also President of Al Wasl Sports Club.
He was the fourth and youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Vice-President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai who played a central role in the emirate’s development and the establishment of the UAE.