Dubai has begun 10 days of official mourning following the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the younger brother of Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined leaders across the UAE in paying tribute to the 76-year-old royal, remembering his public service and extending condolences to the Al Maktoum family and the people of Dubai.
Flags in Dubai have been lowered to half-mast as the emirate remembers a senior royal whose work spanned public security, business and horse racing. Sheikh Ahmed died on Monday, September 21, 2026. His cause of death was not disclosed in the official announcement.
PM Modi Pays Tribute to Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid
Prime Minister Modi expressed grief over Sheikh Ahmed’s death in a message posted on X.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,” the prime minister said.
Modi added that Sheikh Ahmed’s efforts to serve society would be cherished by future generations. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the royal family and Dubai’s people and prayed for the departed soul.
The message reflected the close relationship India and the UAE have developed across diplomacy, trade, investment, energy, security and culture. The UAE is also home to a large Indian community, creating deep personal connections between the two countries.
#Dubai announces 10 days of mourning following Sheikh Ahmed’s death
— UKWELITIMES WORLD (@UKWELINEWSWORLD) September 22, 2026
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al #Maktoum, the younger brother of Dubai’s ruler and UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has died. Dubai announced 10 days of official mourning,… pic.twitter.com/eabeQxSZ6t
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy also expressed his condolences. He paid tribute to Sheikh Ahmed’s public service and remembered his former role as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security.
Why Has Dubai Declared 10 Days of Mourning?
The Court of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced Sheikh Ahmed’s death on Monday morning.
It declared a 10-day period of official mourning in Dubai, beginning on September 21. Flags are to remain at half-mast throughout the mourning period as a mark of respect.
The official statement offered prayers for Sheikh Ahmed and expressed acceptance of God’s will.
The UAE Presidential Court also mourned his death. Condolence statements followed from the rulers’ courts of Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain, reflecting the significance of the loss across the Emirates.
Will Dubai Remain Closed During the Mourning Period?
The announcement of official mourning does not, by itself, mean that Dubai will close for 10 days.
No blanket closure of private offices, schools, shopping malls, tourist destinations, restaurants or public transportation was included in the initial announcement. Government authorities or individual organisations may separately announce changes affecting specific events or services.
Residents and visitors should follow the Government of Dubai Media Office and relevant UAE authorities for confirmed updates. Messages circulating on social media about citywide closures should not be accepted as genuine unless supported by an official notice.
Sheikh Ahmed’s Funeral Arrangements
The Government of Dubai Media Office announced that the funeral prayer for Sheikh Ahmed would take place at Zabeel Grand Mosque in Dubai at 1 pm on Tuesday, September 22.
People publishing or reading this report after the scheduled prayer should consult official Dubai government channels for the latest information on the funeral and condolence arrangements.
A condolence gathering at Zabeel Majlis was also announced, allowing members of the royal family, senior officials and other mourners to offer their respects.
Who Was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
Sheikh Ahmed was the youngest of the four sons of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Ruler of Dubai.
His brothers included Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the current Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Sheikh Ahmed belonged to the generation of the Al Maktoum family that witnessed and contributed to Dubai’s rapid development. During his lifetime, the emirate grew from a regional trading centre into an international destination for business, tourism, aviation and finance.
He held responsibilities connected with public security and was formerly Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security. He was also involved in business and property-related activities.
However, he was especially recognised for his contribution to horse racing and the development of Jebel Ali Racecourse.
His Role in Dubai’s Public Security
Sheikh Ahmed’s former position with Dubai Police and Public Security connected him with one of the institutions responsible for maintaining order as Dubai expanded.
The emirate’s growth brought a rapid increase in population, businesses, visitors and major infrastructure. Public-security institutions had to develop alongside that transformation.
Tributes following Sheikh Ahmed’s death referred to his years of public service and his contribution to Dubai’s society. Prime Minister Modi also placed public service at the centre of his condolence message.
Sheikh Ahmed’s Legacy in Horse Racing
Sheikh Ahmed was a prominent figure in the UAE’s horse-racing community and was closely associated with Jebel Ali Racecourse.
The racecourse was constructed in 1990 according to specifications developed under his direction alongside respected trainer Dhruba Selvaratnam. The venue became known for its distinctive uphill dirt track and built a loyal following among racing enthusiasts.
Jebel Ali Racecourse helped strengthen the UAE’s domestic racing calendar. It also created opportunities for horse owners, trainers, jockeys, employees and spectators.
Sheikh Ahmed supported racing as an owner and patron, with horses connected to him competing in the UAE and overseas. His contribution formed part of the wider growth of equestrian sport in a country where horses carry considerable cultural and historical importance.
For members of the racing community, his death represents the loss of a patron who helped build institutions that continue to serve the sport.
A Life Connected to Dubai’s Transformation
Sheikh Ahmed’s father, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, played a central role in the development of modern Dubai.
Under Sheikh Rashid’s leadership, Dubai invested in ports, roads, aviation and commercial infrastructure. These projects helped establish the foundation for the city’s later global expansion.
Members of the Al Maktoum family assumed different responsibilities as this transformation progressed. Sheikh Ahmed’s work in security, business and sport formed part of that broader contribution.
Although he often maintained a less publicly visible profile than some other members of the ruling family, the institutions and sectors associated with him made his influence widely felt.
Condolences Reach Dubai’s Royal Family
Tributes to Sheikh Ahmed have come from political leaders, royal courts, public officials and sporting organisations.
The condolence messages were addressed particularly to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the wider Al Maktoum family. They expressed solidarity with Dubai’s people and offered prayers for patience and strength during the period of mourning.
In his own tribute, Sheikh Mohammed remembered his brother with a message of faith, prayer and acceptance. He said Sheikh Ahmed would remain in the hearts, memories and prayers of those who knew him.
The personal nature of the message reflected a loss that is both public and deeply private for the ruling family.
Why PM Modi’s Condolence Message Is Significant
India and the UAE maintain a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership covering trade, investment, energy, defence, technology and food security.
The countries also share extensive human connections. Indian nationals form one of the largest expatriate communities in the UAE and contribute across healthcare, construction, finance, technology, education and retail.
Messages exchanged between the two leaderships during celebrations and periods of grief demonstrate the personal dimension of the bilateral relationship.
Modi’s tribute recognised Sheikh Ahmed not only as a royal family member but also as a person whose service left a lasting mark on Dubai’s society.
Dubai Remembers a Senior Royal and Public Servant
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s death marks the passing of a senior member of the family closely connected with Dubai’s modern history.
His legacy remains visible through his public service and his influence on the country’s horse-racing industry, particularly Jebel Ali Racecourse.
As official mourning continues and flags remain at half-mast, Dubai is remembering a life associated with service, responsibility and the development of institutions that became part of the emirate’s identity.
