Dubai Ruler's Brother Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Dies at 76

Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, brother of the Dubai ruler, died on Monday at the age of 76.

He was the younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai. Dubai declared a 10-day mourning period from Monday, with flags to be flown at half-mast across the emirate until October 1. Sheikh Ahmed was the youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, former ruler of Dubai.

He served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security. He was Group Chairman of ARM Holding, a private investment firm with interests in real estate, hospitality, health tech, telecoms, and banking. Sheikh Ahmed founded the Dubai Real Estate Centre in 1991, which manages over 3,200 residential, commercial, and industrial units. He founded Al Wasl Sports Club in 1960 and remained its president for decades.

Under his guidance, Al Wasl Football Club secured eight UAE Pro League titles and was honored as the UAE's 'Club of the Century' in the 1999-2000 season. He established the Dubai International Marine Club in 1988, serving as its first president, and helped launch the Victory Team offshore powerboat racing operation. In the early 1990s, he founded Jebel Ali Racecourse and helped launch the Dubai Racing Club. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed extended condolences, praising Sheikh Ahmed's contributions to the UAE's development.