Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed's brother dies at 76; 10-day mourning declared

Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a prominent member of Dubai's ruling family and the younger brother of the UAE Prime Minister and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, died on Monday at the age of 76.

The news was confirmed by Sheikh Mohammed, who said his brother had passed away on Monday morning. The Dubai government announced an official mourning period of 10 days, with flags to be lowered during the period.

Sheikh Ahmed served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security and held several positions across the security, economic and sports sectors. The reason for his death has not been specified.

DUBAI DECLARES 10-DAY MOURNING

In an official statement, the UAE Prime Minister's Office expressed its condolences over the death of Sheikh Ahmed.

"With hearts steadfast in faith in the decree and destiny of God, the Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai—may God protect him—mourns the forgiven one, by the permission of God Almighty, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who has passed to the mercy of his Lord this morning, Monday," the statement said.

The statement added that an official mourning period would be observed for the next 10 days, during which all flags in Dubai would be lowered.

PM MODI OFFERS CONDOLENCES

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences following Sheikh Ahmed's death.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote: "Deeply saddened by the passing of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. His efforts to serve society will be cherished by generations to come."

"I convey heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of Dubai. May his soul rest in eternal peace," he added.

SHEIKH MOHAMMED MOURNS HIS BROTHER

Sheikh Mohammed also paid a personal tribute to his younger brother, expressing hope that his family and loved ones would find strength during the period of grief.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, also mourned the death of his uncle.

"Today, we lose a dear one from our family, and we bid him farewell with hearts faithful in God's decree and destiny. Sheikh Ahmed will remain in hearts, memory, and prayers, and we ask God to envelop him in His vast mercy, to make him dwell in the expanses of His gardens, and to inspire us and the people of Dubai and the Emirates with patience and solace. Indeed, to God we belong, and to Him we shall return," he wrote on X.

WHO WAS SHEIKH AHMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM?

Born in the 1950s, Sheikh Ahmed graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom before joining the Central Region Command in Dubai. He later became its commander, according to Khaleej Times

Over the course of his career, Sheikh Ahmed held responsibilities across several sectors. His roles included Deputy Chief of Dubai Police and Public Security, placing him among the senior figures associated with Dubai's security establishment.

He was also involved in business and sports. Sheikh Ahmed chaired A.R.M Holding, a private investment firm with a portfolio spanning real estate, hospitality and banking. Its interests also included newer sectors such as healthtech, sustainable food, mobility, fintech and cultural initiatives.

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