DUBAI: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the rulers of the Emirates and Crown Princes gathered in Dubai to offer condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum following the death of his brother, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The condolence gathering took place at Zabeel Majlis on Tuesday, September 22, a day after Sheikh Ahmed died. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was joined by members of the UAE Supreme Council and rulers of the Emirates, along with senior members of the ruling families.
The gathering came after Sheikh Ahmed was laid to rest at Umm Hurair Cemetery in Dubai. Funeral prayers were performed at Zabeel Grand Mosque, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and senior members of the Dubai ruling family among those attending.
UAE rulers attend condolence gathering
Those offering condolences included Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah; Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain; Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah; and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
Crown Princes from several emirates also attended the gathering in Zabeel.
They included Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah; Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Quwain; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah.
Other senior UAE officials and members of the ruling families also offered their condolences, including Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Sheikh Ahmed remembered for public service
During the condolence gathering, UAE leaders reflected on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s record of service and his contributions to the country and community, according to the Dubai Media Office.
The official statement said his service extended back to the early years of the UAE’s establishment and the development of its institutions.
Sheikh Ahmed died on September 21, 2026. The Dubai Ruler’s Court announced his death and declared a 10-day period of official mourning in Dubai, with flags flown at half-mast during the mourning period.
Funeral held in Dubai
On September 22, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid performed funeral prayers for Sheikh Ahmed at Zabeel Grand Mosque.
He was joined by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; and other senior officials and members of the ruling families.
The body was subsequently taken from Zabeel Grand Mosque to Umm Hurair Cemetery, where Sheikh Ahmed was buried. The funeral procession was attended by members of the Dubai ruling family and citizens.
The condolence meetings have brought together senior UAE leaders and members of the public to offer sympathy to the Al Maktoum family following Sheikh Ahmed’s death.
What happened to Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum died on September 21, 2026. The Dubai Ruler’s Court announced his death and declared 10 days of official mourning in Dubai.
Who offered condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid?
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the rulers of the Emirates, Crown Princes and other senior officials offered condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid at Zabeel Majlis.
Where was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid buried?
He was buried at Umm Hurair Cemetery in Dubai after funeral prayers at Zabeel Grand Mosque.
When was the funeral held?
Funeral prayers were held at Zabeel Grand Mosque on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
How long is Dubai’s official mourning period?
Dubai declared a 10-day official mourning period beginning September 21, with flags flown at half-mast.
Where did UAE leaders offer condolences?
The condolence gathering was held at Zabeel Majlis in Dubai.
