The President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, joined all seven Rulers and Crown Princes of the Emirates in offering condolences following the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Sheikh Ahmed, who served as deputy chairman of Dubai Police and group chairman of the private investment firm ARM Holding, passed away on Monday, September 21.
His funeral was held on Tuesday, September 22, at Zabeel Grand Mosque in Dubai, followed by burial at Umm Hurair cemetery. Funeral prayers were led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, alongside other senior members of the ruling family.
At the condolence gathering that followed the burial, the President was joined by all seven Rulers and Crown Princes, along with cabinet members and relatives, in extending sympathies to the family. Dubai's government declared ten days of official mourning after Sheikh Ahmed's death.
Beyond his security and investment roles, Sheikh Ahmed played a significant part in developing sport in the UAE. He founded the Jebel Ali Racecourse in 1990 and served for years as president of Al Wasl Sports Club. The scale of attendance by the country's most senior officials underscored his standing within the UAE's governing and social structure.