Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a prominent member of Dubai's ruling family and a major figure in the emirate's public, sporting and business life, died on September 21, 2026, at the age of 76.
His death brought an immediate period of mourning across Dubai. The Dubai Ruler's Court announced 10 days of official mourning, with flags across the emirate to be flown at half-mast during the period.
For many people outside the UAE, Sheikh Ahmed may be best known as a member of the Al Maktoum family. But his public life extended well beyond his family connection. He served in Dubai's security establishment, played a major role in the development of sports and horse racing in the emirate, chaired A.R.M. Holding and was closely associated with Al Wasl Sports Club.
His influence could be seen across several different parts of Dubai's development, from public service and real estate to football, marine sports and international horse racing.
Who was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was the fourth and youngest son of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Ruler of Dubai and one of the central figures in the development of modern Dubai.
He was also the younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Born on July 12, 1950, Sheikh Ahmed was 76 when he died on September 21, 2026. He graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom and went on to serve in Dubai's military and security institutions.
Over several decades, his work expanded into areas that became closely connected with Dubai's sporting and commercial development.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum dies at 76
The Dubai Ruler's Court announced Sheikh Ahmed's death on Monday, September 21, 2026.
The announcement was followed by tributes from the UAE leadership and members of the wider Gulf community. The Presidential Court also issued condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Al Maktoum family.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences, saying Sheikh Ahmed's efforts in serving society would be remembered.
Dubai's official mourning period began on September 21 and is scheduled to continue for 10 days, with flags flown at half-mast across the emirate.
When is Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's funeral?
According to a report citing the Dubai Media Office, the funeral prayer is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 1pm at Za'abeel Grand Mosque in Dubai.
Condolences are scheduled to be received over three days following the funeral arrangements.
Sheikh Ahmed's role in Dubai's security and public service
Long before becoming known internationally for horse racing and sports, Sheikh Ahmed built his career through military and public service.
After graduating from Sandhurst, he joined Dubai's Central Military Command and later became its commander. He subsequently held senior responsibilities within Dubai's police and public-security structure, including serving as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security.
His career therefore overlapped with a period when Dubai was transforming from a regional trading centre into a much larger international city.
That public-service background remained an important part of how his career was described after his death.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Al Wasl
Sport was another major part of Sheikh Ahmed's life, particularly Al Wasl Sports Club.
He was closely associated with the club for decades, dating back to the period when it was known as Al Zamalek. He later served as chairman and became one of the most recognisable figures connected with the club.
Al Wasl paid tribute to him following his death, recognising his long association with the club and his contribution to sport in Dubai.
His connection with Al Wasl was about more than football results. The club became part of the wider sporting culture of Dubai, and Sheikh Ahmed remained associated with its development over many years.
Sheikh Ahmed and the development of Jebel Ali Racecourse
One of Sheikh Ahmed's most lasting sporting contributions was his involvement in Jebel Ali Racecourse.
He helped establish the racecourse in 1990, with its first racing season beginning in 1991. Reports describe him as a driving force behind the development of the venue, including its technical design alongside trainer Dhruba Selvaratnam.
The racecourse became an important part of Dubai's horse-racing infrastructure and remains a recognisable part of the emirate's sporting landscape.
Sheikh Ahmed also owned the adjoining Jebel Ali Stables and became a prominent international racehorse owner.
Sheikh Ahmed's horse racing legacy
Horse racing was not simply a business interest for Sheikh Ahmed. It became one of the defining parts of his public sporting identity.
His distinctive yellow racing colours with black epaulettes became familiar on racecourses in Dubai, Britain, Ireland and elsewhere.
His horses included several notable names, among them Mtoto, Addeybb, Iffraaj and Almaqam. Mtoto enjoyed major success in Britain in 1988, winning the Prince of Wales's Stakes, Eclipse Stakes and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
His racing operation continued to produce international winners over the years. His horse Addeybb, for example, won the 2020 Champion Stakes at Ascot, while Iffraaj later became a successful stallion.
His involvement also extended to the wider development of Dubai's racing industry. He was associated with the early development of the Dubai Racing Club and the growth of the emirate's international horse-racing profile.
Sheikh Ahmed and the Dubai International Marine Club
His sporting interests were not limited to football and horse racing.
Sheikh Ahmed established the Dubai International Marine Club in 1988 and served as its first president. He was also associated with the development of the Victory Team, which became well known for offshore powerboat racing.
These projects reflected a broader effort to establish Dubai as a destination for international sporting events and competitive sport.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and A.R.M. Holding
Another major part of Sheikh Ahmed's career was business.
He served as Group Chairman of A.R.M. Holding, a Dubai-based private investment group with interests across several sectors, including real estate, hospitality and banking, as well as newer areas such as health technology, mobility, fintech and sustainable food.
The group's real-estate activities included the Dubai Real Estate Centre, which manages thousands of residential and commercial units, along with development and flexible-living businesses.
Among the projects associated with the group's history are The Beach Centre and Palm Spring Village, while its portfolio has also included other developments across Dubai.
His business career therefore formed another link between his family background and Dubai's rapidly changing commercial landscape.
What was Sheikh Ahmed's connection to Dubai's development?
Sheikh Ahmed's career covered several decades of Dubai's transformation.
He worked in public security when the emirate was still developing many of the institutions that would later become internationally recognised. At the same time, he supported sporting organisations and helped establish facilities that became part of Dubai's identity.
His involvement in horse racing was particularly significant because Dubai eventually became one of the world's major centres for international racing.
The story of Jebel Ali Racecourse illustrates that transition. A racecourse established in the early 1990s became part of an international racing ecosystem that eventually included the Dubai World Cup and major global racing events.
Sheikh Ahmed's family background
Sheikh Ahmed belonged to the Al Maktoum family, the ruling family of Dubai.
His father, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, was a former Ruler of Dubai and a central figure in the emirate's modern history.
His brother, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is the current Ruler of Dubai and also serves as Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.
Because of this family background, Sheikh Ahmed was part of one of the most prominent ruling families in the Gulf. However, much of the coverage following his death has focused on the public institutions, sporting organisations and businesses with which he was personally associated.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: Key facts
Detail Information Full name Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Born July 12, 1950 Died September 21, 2026 Age at death 76 Father Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Brother Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Education Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Public service Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security Business role Group Chairman, A.R.M. Holding Sports association Al Wasl Sports Club Horse racing Founder of Jebel Ali Racecourse Mourning period 10 days in Dubai Funeral prayer September 22, 2026, 1pm, Za'abeel Grand MosqueWhy is Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in the news?
Sheikh Ahmed is currently in the news following his death at the age of 76.
The announcement has led to widespread coverage across the UAE and internationally because of his position within the Al Maktoum family and his decades-long involvement in public service, business and sport.
The 10-day official mourning period in Dubai has also drawn attention, with flags being flown at half-mast throughout the emirate.
Tributes have come from UAE institutions, sporting organisations and international figures. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among those who publicly expressed condolences to the Al Maktoum family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was a senior member of Dubai's ruling Al Maktoum family. He served in Dubai's security establishment and was also involved in business, football, horse racing and marine sports.
When did Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum die?
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum died on September 21, 2026, at the age of 76. The Dubai Ruler's Court announced his death and declared 10 days of official mourning.
How old was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
He was 76 years old when he died. He was born on July 12, 1950.
Who was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's brother?
His younger brother was Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
What was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum known for?
He was known for his public service in Dubai, his long association with Al Wasl Sports Club, his role in developing Jebel Ali Racecourse and his involvement in horse racing and business.
What was Sheikh Ahmed's role in horse racing?
He was a prominent racehorse owner and helped establish Jebel Ali Racecourse in 1990. His horses competed successfully in major international races, and his yellow-and-black racing colours became well known.
What is the mourning period for Sheikh Ahmed in Dubai?
Dubai has declared 10 days of official mourning beginning September 21, 2026. Flags are being flown at half-mast during the mourning period.
When is Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's funeral prayer?
The funeral prayer is scheduled for 1pm on September 22, 2026, at Za'abeel Grand Mosque in Dubai, according to the reported arrangements.
Final thoughts
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's life cannot be reduced to one title or one institution.
He served in Dubai's security establishment, supported the development of sport, helped establish Jebel Ali Racecourse, led a major private investment group and maintained a decades-long connection with Al Wasl.
His career also reflects a period of enormous change in Dubai. The institutions and sporting facilities with which he was associated developed alongside an emirate that grew into a global business and tourism centre.
Following his death at 76, Dubai has entered a 10-day official mourning period. For those who knew his work through public service, football, horse racing or business, the coming days will be a period of remembrance for a figure whose career touched many different parts of the emirate's modern history.