Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Dies: Dubai Mourns for 10 Days

Dubai has begun ten days of official mourning following the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the youngest brother of UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. He was 76.

The mourning period started on Monday and runs until Wednesday, September 30. When a member of an emirate's ruling family dies, flags at ministries, departments and government bodies are customarily lowered to half-mast.

Tributes from the UAE's leadership

Condolences came quickly from the top of the federation. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed wrote on X that Sheikh Ahmed's contributions to the country's development since its founding continue to inspire the nation's progress. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid paid his own farewell in a post: "You are absent from our eyes, but not from our prayers and hearts."

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President and Chairman of the Presidential Court, prayed for mercy and forgiveness for the late sheikh and comfort for the bereaved family. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, said the family had lost a dear member and that his uncle would remain in their hearts, memories and prayers. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, also mourned his relative.

What the mourning period means for residents

For many residents, the first question is how daily life will change. Official mourning in the UAE follows established customs. Radio stations replace regular programming with prayers or Quran recitation, state television follows a similar pattern, and malls across the Emirates play subdued music. Most live entertainment is usually cancelled, and official gatherings may be postponed.

The length of a mourning period reflects the seniority of the person who has died. It can run anywhere from three to 40 days. A death does not automatically bring a public holiday, and private businesses and schools may keep operating unless authorities say otherwise. Authorities are expected to clarify whether workplaces and schools need to close.

There are precedents at the other end of the scale. The deaths of UAE Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 2004 and of President Sheikh Khalifa in 2022 each brought 40 days of mourning. After Sheikh Khalifa's death, work at ministries, departments, and federal, local and private entities was suspended for three days. Earlier this month, Sharjah declared three days of mourning after the death of Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi, brother of the emirate's Deputy Ruler.

A life in public service and sport

Beyond his place in the ruling family, Sheikh Ahmed was widely associated with two fields: policing and sport. He held the rank of Lieutenant General and served as Deputy Chairman of Police and Public Security in Dubai.

It was in sport, though, that his imprint was most visible. He was a founding member of Al Wasl Sports Club, which took shape in a small house in Zabeel in 1960, and he later served as its president for many years. The club grew beyond football into basketball, volleyball and handball. Under his guidance, Al Wasl won eight UAE Pro League titles. The International Federation of Football History and Statistics named Al Wasl the UAE's "Club of the Century" for 1999-2000.

In racing, his influence reached well beyond the UAE. He established Jebel Ali Racecourse and its adjoining stables in 1990, with the first race meetings held the following year. Champion jockey Lester Piggott was among the riders who competed there in its early years, and the first Dubai World Cup followed in 1996. It has since become one of the richest races in the sport. As an owner, he won the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the Lockinge Stakes in 1983 with his first major runner, Wassl.

Dubai Racing Club, which organises the Dubai World Cup, said his "remarkable legacy spans decades of contribution to the nation." Jebel Ali Racecourse is to be preserved under a master plan for a five-square-kilometre district around it, and will continue to stand as a celebration of his contribution to UAE sport.

What happens next

The ten-day period gives residents time to pay their respects. Details of any formal ceremonies had not been published at the time of writing. Residents should follow announcements from the Dubai Media Office and their employers or schools for any changes to working arrangements or public events over the coming days.