Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a senior member of Dubai’s ruling family who has passed on
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a senior member of Dubai’s ruling family and younger brother to Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has died at the age of 76.
The Dubai Media Office announced his death on Monday morning and said the emirate had declared 10 days of official mourning, during which flags will be flown at half-mast.
Sheikh Mohammed, who is also Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, mourned his brother in a message shared on social media.
“May God have mercy on you, my brother,” Sheikh Mohammed said, praying for his brother’s place in Paradise and for patience for his family and loved ones.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also offered condolences to Sheikh Mohammed, saying Sheikh Ahmed’s contributions to the development of the UAE since its founding would continue to inspire the country’s progress.
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum described his late uncle as a cherished member of the family who would remain in the family’s memories and prayers.
Sheikh Ahmed was born on July 12, 1950, and was the fourth and youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Ruler of Dubai and one of the key figures in the emirate’s development.
He graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Britain before joining Dubai’s Central Military Region, where he eventually became commander.
He later served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security and remained closely associated with Al Wasl Sports Club, where he served as president for decades.
Sheikh Ahmed was also a prominent figure in the development of horse racing in Dubai. He established Jebel Ali Racecourse, with the track and grandstand constructed in 1990 according to specifications laid down by him and Dhruba Selvaratnam. The racecourse remains part of the UAE’s horse-racing circuit.
He was also involved in maritime sports and became the first chairman of the Dubai International Marine Club in 1988.
Sheikh Ahmed’s family, including his brother Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, has met President Museveni several times in Dubai.
During a 2017 meeting, Museveni and Sheikh Mohammed reviewed relations between Uganda and the UAE, particularly investment, economic and tourism cooperation. The two leaders also witnessed the signing of an agreement aimed at encouraging mutual investment between the two countries.
Sheikh Mohammed and Museveni also met at Uganda’s pavilion during Expo 2020 Dubai in October 2021, where they discussed strengthening bilateral relations, with tourism, trade and investment among the areas highlighted.
The family connection to Uganda also extends to humanitarian work. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, founded by Sheikh Mohammed, supported a food campaign in Kampala in 2025 that targeted vulnerable households.
The initiative provided funding for the distribution of 1.76 million meals to vulnerable Ugandans through local partners, including single mothers, elderly people and other food-insecure groups.