Dubai mourns death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the younger brother of Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, died on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the age of 76. The Dubai Media Office confirmed his passing, and the Rulers Court of Dubai immediately declared a 10-day period of official mourning across the emirate. Under the official directive, flags at all public institutions and government entities throughout Dubai will fly at half-mast for the duration of the mourning period, which began on Monday. The cause of death was not disclosed in the official announcements. Sheikh Mohammed, who is also the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, paid a personal tribute to his brother. In a message shared on social media, he wrote, "May God have mercy on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. May God have mercy on you, my brother. You are absent from our eyes but not from our prayers and hearts, O Ahmed." Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, also expressed his deep sorrow. He stated that Sheikh Ahmed "will remain in hearts, memory, and prayers" and offered condolences to the people of Dubai and the UAE.