Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Ruler's Brother, Dies at 76
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, younger brother of Dubai's Ruler, has died at 76, prompting ten days of official mourning in the emirate.
Dubai has entered ten days of official mourning following the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the younger brother of the emirate's Ruler and UAE Vice President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Ruler's Court announced that the mourning period began with immediate effect, with flags across Dubai to be flown at half-mast throughout.
Sheikh Mohammed paid tribute to his brother in a message on X, seeking mercy for his soul and a place in Paradise. "May Allah have mercy on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. May Allah have mercy on you, my brother," he wrote, adding that Sheikh Ahmed would remain in their prayers and hearts. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, also mourned his uncle and prayed for his forgiveness and mercy.
A life in public service
Sheikh Ahmed was the fourth and youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, a former Ruler of Dubai, and the youngest brother of Sheikh Mohammed. He served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security, Group Chairman of A.R.M. Holding and President of Al Wasl Sports Club.
Educated at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, he joined Dubai's Central Military Command after graduating and later rose to become its Commander-in-Chief.
Racing and sporting legacy
Sheikh Ahmed left a lasting mark on Dubai's horse racing scene. He collaborated with trainer Dhruba Selvaratnam on the technical design of Jebel Ali Racecourse, which was built in 1990 and began hosting races in 1991. He owned the adjoining Jebel Ali Stables and recorded 614 wins from 4,475 runs as an owner, a strike rate of 13.7 per cent. He also supported international races held in his name, including an event at Ireland's Curragh Racecourse.
His association with Al Wasl Sports Club dated to the early 1960s, when the club was known as Al Zamalek, and he served as chairman of its board from that period.
Business interests
As chairman of A.R.M. Holding, a private investment company, Sheikh Ahmed oversaw interests spanning real estate, hospitality and banking, with the portfolio later expanding into healthtech, sustainable food, mobility, fintech and cultural initiatives. Its real estate arm comprises three brands: Dubai Real Estate Centre, Huna and Hive Coliv. Dubai Real Estate Centre manages more than 3,200 residential and commercial units, while Huna focuses on developments blending architecture, culture and commerce, and Hive Coliv operates in the flexible co-living segment.
Under his patronage, Dubai Real Estate Centre, established in 1991, completed several projects. These included The Beach Centre, described as the first mall on Jumeirah's beach road, completed in 1993; Palm Spring Village, a gated community in Al Sufouh with 145 villas; and Dubai Creek Tower in 1995, the first landmark of its kind at Deira Creek and then the second-tallest building in Dubai.