Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, younger brother of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Vice-President and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has died at the age of 76.
Following his death, authorities in Dubai declared 10 days of official mourning across the emirate.
As part of the mourning period, flags across Dubai will be flown at half-mast in honour of the late Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the ruler of Dubai, expressed grief over the death of his younger brother in a message shared on social media.
“May God have mercy on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. May God have mercy on you, my brother,” he said.
Mohammed added: “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 extended his condolences to the Dubai ruler following the death.
Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum made significant contributions to the development of the UAE since the country’s founding.
He noted that Ahmed’s contributions and legacy would continue to inspire the country’s ongoing development and progress.
Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was the fourth and youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Vice-President and ruler of Dubai, who was also a key figure in the establishment and development of the emirate.
Throughout his career, Ahmed held senior positions in several areas of public life in Dubai, including security, sports and business.
He was associated with the emirate’s public security sector and played roles in the development of its horse racing industry and real estate sector.
Ahmed also served as chairman of the Dubai Police and Public Security sector, while maintaining his involvement in Dubai’s horse racing activities.
His career spanned several sectors that contributed to the development of Dubai, and he was recognised for his role in the emirate’s transformation and growth.
His death has prompted an official period of mourning in Dubai, with the emirate paying tribute to his contributions to public life and the development of modern-day Dubai.