Dubai has begun 10 days of mourning to mark the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Mourning the death of his brother, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said on social media: “You are absent from our eyes, but not from our prayers and hearts.”
President Sheikh Mohamed paid tribute to Sheikh Ahmed, hailing his contributions to the development of the Emirates.
“I extend my sincere condolences to Mohammed bin Rashid on the passing of his brother Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose long-standing contributions to the development of the UAE since its founding continue to inspire our nation’s journey of progress,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X.
“May God rest his soul in eternal peace and mercy, and grant his loved ones comfort during this difficult time.”
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, offered his condolences to Sheikh Mohammed on the loss of his brother. He prayed for solace for the Al Maktoum family in their collective loss. "May God have mercy on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and envelop him in His vast mercy and forgiveness," he said.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, also mourned his uncle. He wrote: "Today, we lose a dear one from our family, and we bid him farewell with hearts faithful in God's decree and destiny. Sheikh Ahmed will remain in our hearts, memory and prayers, and we ask God to envelop him in His vast mercy.”
Dubai Media Office said Sheikh Ahmed died on Monday and that flags would be flown at half-mast during official mourning.
Sheikh Ahmed served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and held the role of Group Chairman of ARM Holding, a UAE-based private investment firm.
He was the long-serving President of Al Wasl Sports Club, being part of a group of young men who helped to form the organisation from a small house in Zabeel in 1960.
He was a driving force behind the club's rise for decades, from humble beginnings to sporting success across a variety of fields - from football and basketball to volleyball and handball.
Under his guidance, Al Wasl Football Club has cemented its status as one of the country's leading clubs, securing eight UAE Pro League titles. The club paid tribute to Sheikh Ahmed on its social media pages.
What is the UAE's mourning period?
When a member of an emirate's ruling family dies, the state enters a mourning period. Recently, Sharjah declared three days of mourning after the death of Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi, brother of Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Salem.
During the mourning period, flags in the emirate typically fly at half-mast. Work in ministries, departments and local government organisations may be suspended.
Radio stations broadcast classical music instead of regular programming, and state-owned television stations follow a similar show pattern. Most live entertainment events are typically cancelled, and official gatherings may be postponed during the period.
The mourning period is intended as a mark of respect, and life across the UAE takes on a more sombre tone.
