President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended his sincere condolences following the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, brother of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai.
In a condolence message shared on Monday, President Muizzu expressed his sympathies to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and conveyed the solidarity of the Government and people of the Maldives with the leadership, government and people of the United Arab Emirates during the period of mourning.
President Muizzu prayed for Almighty Allah to bestow His infinite mercy upon the late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, grant his soul eternal peace and admit him to the highest ranks of Jannatul Firdaus. He also prayed for strength, patience and solace for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Al Maktoum family and the people of the UAE as they mourn the loss.
The President extended the condolences on behalf of the Government and people of the Maldives, as well as in his personal capacity, reflecting the Maldives’ sympathy with the UAE at a time of bereavement for the Al Maktoum family and the wider Emirati community.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum passed away on Monday, 21 September 2026, at the age of 76. The death was announced by the Dubai Media Office, while the Court of the Ruler of Dubai formally mourned his passing and announced a 10-day period of official mourning in Dubai. Flags across the emirate are being flown at half-mast during the mourning period.
Born on 12 July 1950 in Bur Dubai, Sheikh Ahmed was the fourth and youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Ruler of Dubai and one of the central figures in the emirate’s modern development. As a member of the Al Maktoum family, Sheikh Ahmed devoted decades to public service and held responsibilities across government, security, business, property development and sport.
Among the prominent positions he held was Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security, a role through which he contributed to the development of institutions responsible for the security and public service framework of Dubai. His career also included involvement in the military sector, adding to a long record of service during an important period in the growth and development of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.
Sheikh Ahmed also maintained a significant presence in the UAE’s business and real estate sectors. He served as Group Chairman of A.R.M. Holding and held a senior leadership role at Dubai Real Estate Centre, organisations associated with investments and property development in Dubai. His involvement in these sectors formed part of a broader career spanning several areas that contributed to the emirate’s economic and institutional development.
He was particularly well known for his long association with Al Wasl Sports Club, one of the UAE’s prominent sporting institutions and a leading club in the country’s professional football competition. Sheikh Ahmed remained closely connected with Al Wasl over several decades, providing leadership and support as the club developed its presence in Emirati football and other sports. His association with the club made him a widely recognised figure within the UAE sporting community.
His contribution to sport extended beyond football. Sheikh Ahmed was closely associated with the growth of horse racing in the UAE and with the development of Jebel Ali Racecourse, which became an established venue within the country’s racing calendar. His involvement in the sector contributed to the development of equestrian competition and helped strengthen the UAE’s growing international profile in horse racing.
His public life reflected broad involvement across security, national service, investment, real estate and sport, and he was recognised in the UAE for decades of service to national institutions and community development. His passing has prompted condolences from leaders and officials across the UAE and internationally, reflecting the extensive relationships built during his lifetime of public and institutional service.
President Muizzu’s message joined condolences conveyed by leaders from across the region and around the world following the announcement of Sheikh Ahmed’s passing. The message expressed the Maldives’ sympathy and support for the UAE leadership and people, while offering prayers for the late Sheikh Ahmed and for the Al Maktoum family during the period of mourning.
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