Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the youngest brother of Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, died on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the age of 76. His death was announced by the Dubai Media Office and the Ruler’s Court. Which declared a 10-day official mourning period across the emirate, with flags to be flown at half-staff. No official cause of death has been disclosed as of this writing.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Dies at 76
Sheikh Ahmed was the fourth and youngest son of Dubai’s former ruler, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. His death makes him the third of Sheikh Rashid’s four sons to pass away. Following his elder brothers Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum (former UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who died in 2006) and Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum (who died in 2021). Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the current UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, is now the sole surviving brother.
What Happened to Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
Sheikh Ahmed died on the morning of Monday, September 21, 2026. The Dubai Media Office confirmed the death and announced the mourning arrangements shortly afterward. Tributes from senior UAE officials followed within hours, published primarily through official social media channels and government statements.
Was the Cause of Death Announced?
No. As of this article’s last update, no UAE government body, the Dubai Media Office, or any official statement has disclosed a cause of death. Reporting from major outlets covering the story, including The National, Khaleej Times, and the Racing Post, has not cited a cause of death. ToperNews will be updated if that changes.
When Did Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Die?
He died on Monday, September 21, 2026, according to the Dubai Media Office.
How Old Was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
He was 76 years old. He was born on July 12, 1950, in Dubai.
Dubai’s Mourning Period and Flag Arrangements
The Ruler’s Court declared 10 days of official mourning across Dubai following Sheikh Ahmed’s death. During this period, flags across the emirate will be flown at half-staff. The announcement was made through the Dubai Media Office alongside the initial confirmation of his death.
Funeral Prayer and Condolence Details
Specific details about a public funeral prayer including date, time, and location have not been included in official statements. Major news coverage available at the time of this article’s publication. What has been confirmed is a wave of condolences from senior UAE and Gulf leaders, detailed further below. This section will be updated if funeral prayer details are officially released.
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. Who is known both for his military and government service and for his standing as one of the most significant owner-breeders in international Thoroughbred horse racing over the past 50 years. He kept a notably more private public profile than some of his brothers. But his contributions to UAE security institutions and to global racing were substantial and long-running.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Family
Sheikh Ahmed was the youngest of four sons born to Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Ruler of Dubai and one of the founding figures of the modern United Arab Emirates. His three brothers were:
- Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum former UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai (died 2006)
- Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum former UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister (died 2021)
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum current UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai
His Relationship With Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was the younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the current Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed posted a personal tribute to his brother on social media shortly after the death was announced. Describing him as present in prayers and hearts even while absent from sight. And asking for God’s mercy and peace on his soul.
His Career and Public Service
Sheikh Ahmed graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Britain in 1975. He went on to serve as Commander in Chief of the Central Military Command in Dubai. Later served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security. Beyond his military and security roles. He held business leadership positions as Group Chairman of ARM Holding and of the Dubai Real Estate Centre.
His Contribution to International Horse Racing
Sheikh Ahmed built one of the most storied ownership and breeding operations in modern Thoroughbred racing, competing under his distinctive yellow-and-black silks and the ARM racing banner. In 1990, he founded Jebel Ali Racecourse, located roughly 35 kilometers outside Dubai, which became home to his racing stables.
Among the horses he owned or bred:
| Horse | Notable Achievement |
| Mtoto | Won the 1987 Coral-Eclipse (defeating Derby winner Reference Point), repeated as Eclipse winner and won the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 1988 |
| Tobougg | Won the Dewhurst Stakes |
| Ameerat | Won the 1,000 Guineas |
| Elmalka | Won the 1,000 Guineas |
| Addeybb | Won the Champion Stakes |
| Almaqam | Won the 2026 Tattersalls Gold Cup |
| Saddadd | Won the Grosser Preis von Baden roughly two weeks before Sheikh Ahmed’s death |
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and Godolphin, the global racing operation founded by his brother Sheikh Mohammed. Both issued statements mourning his death, describing him as a longstanding and significant supporter of British and international racing.
UAE Leaders Pay Tribute
Tributes followed quickly from across the UAE’s leadership:
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, mourned his brother directly on social media, offering prayers for his soul.
- Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, extended condolences to Sheikh Mohammed and praised Sheikh Ahmed’s long-standing contributions to the UAE’s development since its founding.
- Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, offered condolences and prayers for the Al Maktoum family.
- Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, mourned his uncle.
- The Presidential Court and Ruler’s Courts across the other Emirates also extended official condolences to Sheikh Mohammed and the wider Al Maktoum family.
Latest Updates on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Death
- September 21, 2026: Dubai Media Office confirms Sheikh Ahmed’s death; Ruler’s Court declares a 10-day mourning period with flags at half-staff.
- September 21-22, 2026: UAE President, Vice Presidents, and Dubai’s Crown Prince issue formal condolences. Godolphin and the BHA issue tributes from the international racing world.
- No funeral prayer details or official cause of death have been released as of September 22, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
He was a senior member of Dubai’s ruling Al Maktoum family, the youngest brother of Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and one of the most significant owner-breeders in international Thoroughbred horse racing over the past 50 years.
When did Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum die?
He died on Monday, September 21, 2026.
How old was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum when he died?
He was 76 years old, having been born on July 12, 1950.
What was the cause of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s death?
No official cause of death has been announced by the Dubai Media Office or any UAE government body as of this writing.
Is Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum related to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
Yes. He was the younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE’s Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
How many brothers did Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum have?
He had three brothers: Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum (died 2006), Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum (died 2021), and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who survives him.
How long is Dubai’s official mourning period for Sheikh Ahmed
Dubai’s Ruler’s Court declared a 10-day official mourning period, during which flags will fly at half-staff across the emirate.
When and where is Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s funeral prayer?
Specific funeral prayer details have not been publicly released as of this writing. This article will be updated when that information is confirmed.
What was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum known for in horse racing?
He was known for his yellow-and-black racing silks and for owning and breeding major winners including Mtoto, Addeybb, Tobougg, Ameerat, and Elmalka. He founded Jebel Ali Racecourse in 1990.
Did Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum hold any military or government positions?
Yes. He graduated from Sandhurst in 1975, served as Commander in Chief of Dubai’s Central Military Command, and later as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security.
What did Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum say about his brother’s death?
Sheikh Mohammed posted a personal tribute on social media expressing grief and offering prayers for his brother’s soul, describing him as absent from sight but present in prayers and hearts.
Has the UAE President commented on Sheikh Ahmed’s death?
Yes. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended condolences to Sheikh Mohammed and praised Sheikh Ahmed’s long-standing contributions to the UAE’s development.
