DUBAI: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, led funeral prayers for his late brother Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at Zabeel Grand Mosque on Tuesday.
The prayers were attended by senior members of Dubai’s ruling family, government officials, sheikhs and a large congregation of mourners. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, joined Sheikh Mohammed for the prayers.
Sheikh Ahmed, who died on Monday, September 21, was subsequently laid to rest at Umm Hurair Cemetery in Dubai. The funeral followed the announcement of an official 10-day mourning period in Dubai, during which flags are being flown at half-mast.
The Dubai Ruler’s Court announced Sheikh Ahmed’s death on September 21 and declared the mourning period effective from the same day. The Emirates News Agency, WAM, also reported the official mourning decision.
Condolences continue at Zabeel Majlis
The Zabeel Majlis is receiving condolences over three days following Sheikh Ahmed’s death.
On Tuesday, condolences began at 4pm and continued until Maghrib prayers. On Wednesday and Thursday, mourners can offer condolences from 10am until Dhuhr prayers and again after Asr prayers until Maghrib.
The arrangements follow the funeral prayers held at Zabeel Grand Mosque, where a large congregation gathered to pay their respects.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Rulers of the Emirates also offered condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and the Al Maktoum family in Dubai on Tuesday.
According to WAM, the condolences were attended by members of the UAE leadership, Crown Princes, senior officials and other sheikhs.
Sheikh Ahmed’s public and sporting legacy
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum held several prominent roles in Dubai. He served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and was Group Chairman of ARM Holding, according to reports from The National.
He was also closely associated with Dubai’s sporting and horse-racing communities. His public sporting contributions included establishing Jebel Ali Racecourse in 1990 and serving for decades as president of Al Wasl Sports Club.
The UAE Presidential Court expressed condolences following his death, while WAM reported tributes describing his contributions to the UAE and its community.
For Dubai residents and visitors, the immediate significance of the announcement is the official mourning period and the scheduled condolence gatherings at Zabeel Majlis. The funeral itself has now taken place, with Sheikh Ahmed laid to rest at Umm Hurair Cemetery.
What happened to Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum died on September 21, 2026. Funeral prayers were held at Zabeel Grand Mosque in Dubai on September 22, followed by his burial at Umm Hurair Cemetery.
Who led Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid’s funeral prayers?
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, led the funeral prayers at Zabeel Grand Mosque.
Where was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid buried?
He was laid to rest at Umm Hurair Cemetery in Dubai following the funeral prayers.
Where are condolences being received?
Condolences are being received at Zabeel Majlis in Dubai over three days.
How long is Dubai’s mourning period?
Dubai declared 10 days of official mourning following Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid’s death, with flags flown at half-mast during the period.
When can mourners offer condolences at Zabeel Majlis?
On Tuesday, condolences were scheduled from 4pm until Maghrib. On Wednesday and Thursday, they are scheduled from 10am until Dhuhr and again after Asr until Maghrib.
What positions did Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid hold?
He served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and was Group Chairman of ARM Holding. He was also prominent in Dubai’s sports and horse-racing sectors.
