The Dubai Ruler’s younger brother died on Monday, with flags ordered to fly at half-mast across the emirate during the mourning period.
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| Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has died at the age of 76 as Dubai declares 10 days of official mourning. |
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the younger brother of Dubai’s Ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has died at the age of 76, according to the Dubai Ruler’s Court.
The Court announced his death on Monday morning, September 21, 2026, and declared a 10-day period of official mourning across Dubai, effective immediately. Flags will be flown at half-mast throughout the mourning period.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, who is also Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, paid tribute to his late brother in a message shared on social media.
In the message, Sheikh Mohammed expressed his grief and prayed for mercy for Sheikh Ahmed, while offering prayers for patience and solace for his family and loved ones.
The announcement has prompted mourning across Dubai as tributes are paid to the late member of the Al Maktoum ruling family.
The official mourning period means that flags across the emirate will remain at half-mast for 10 days. The measure took effect on Monday following the announcement by the Ruler’s Court.
Sheikh Ahmed was the son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who ruled Dubai from 1958 until his death in 1990, and the younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
Further official details concerning funeral arrangements and other related ceremonies are expected to be communicated by the authorities.
The death was also reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the UAE’s official news agency, confirming the mourning declaration by the Dubai Ruler’s Court.