External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the brother of Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, extending India’s condolences to the Royal Family and the people of Dubai during a period of mourning across the emirate.

In a message posted on X, Jaishankar said he was deeply grieved by the death of Sheikh Ahmed and conveyed his sympathies to Dubai’s ruling family and citizens. He stated that India’s thoughts were with the Royal Family and the people of Dubai, while praying for the departed leader’s soul to rest in peace.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, describing his passing as a significant loss.

The Prime Minister praised Sheikh Ahmed’s lifelong dedication to public service and noted that his efforts on behalf of society would be remembered for generations. Modi conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of Dubai, while offering prayers for eternal peace.

The tributes from India came shortly after the Court of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum formally announced that Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum had passed away on Monday morning at the age of 76.

Following the announcement, Dubai authorities declared a 10-day period of official mourning across the emirate. During this period, flags are being flown at half-mast in honour of the late royal figure.

The announcement was made by the Government of Dubai Media Office, which stated that the Court of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, was mourning the passing of Sheikh Ahmed and had ordered the official mourning arrangements with immediate effect.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also paid an emotional tribute to his younger brother, describing him as a cherished member of both the family and the wider community. His tribute reflected the personal and public significance Sheikh Ahmed held within Dubai and the UAE.

The passing of Sheikh Ahmed has prompted tributes from across the Emirates and the wider Gulf region. Senior political leaders, members of ruling families and public institutions have remembered him as a public servant who contributed to security, business development, sport and community causes over several decades.

Born in 1950, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was the fourth and youngest son of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the late ruler credited with helping transform Dubai into a major regional and global commercial centre.

After completing his education at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, Sheikh Ahmed joined Dubai’s Central Military Command. He went on to rise through the ranks and eventually became Commander-in-Chief of the military base, establishing an early reputation for discipline, leadership and public service.

His subsequent career was closely linked with Dubai’s security establishment. He served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security, a role that placed him within one of the UAE’s most important public institutions. His long association with the security sector coincided with decades of rapid development and modernisation across Dubai.

Beyond public service, Sheikh Ahmed became a prominent figure in the UAE’s business community. He served as Group Chairman of A.R.M. Holding, one of Dubai’s major investment groups, and was also associated with significant real estate and commercial initiatives that supported the emirate’s economic growth.

Several regional publications have also noted his role as Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and his involvement with the Dubai Real Estate Centre, reflecting the breadth of his responsibilities across government and business affairs.

Sheikh Ahmed was equally well known for his contributions to sport. He served as President of Al Wasl Sports Club for six decades, making him one of the longest-serving figures in Emirati sports administration. Under his leadership, Al Wasl developed into one of the UAE’s most recognised and successful sporting institutions.

Al Wasl Sports Club has described Sheikh Ahmed as one of the pioneers of modern UAE sport, noting that his commitment helped strengthen football and broader sporting culture across the country.

His influence extended beyond football. In the early 1990s, Sheikh Ahmed established the Jebel Ali Racecourse, a move that played an important role in expanding horse racing within the UAE. The racecourse became an important component of the country’s equestrian calendar and contributed to the international profile of Emirati horse racing.

Over the years, Sheikh Ahmed became widely associated with the UAE’s equestrian sector. His efforts helped support the growth of horse racing infrastructure and reinforced Dubai’s reputation as a global centre for the sport.

He was also linked to marine sports initiatives and other sporting organisations that contributed to the development of recreational and competitive activities throughout the Emirates.

In addition to his public and sporting roles, Sheikh Ahmed was recognised for supporting charitable and community-focused initiatives. His philanthropic engagement and backing for social causes earned him respect across different sectors of Emirati society.

The announcement of his death has therefore resonated far beyond political circles, with tributes highlighting his contributions to security, business, sport, philanthropy and national development.

As Dubai enters its official mourning period, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is being remembered as a member of the generation that helped shape the emirate’s modern identity. His career spanned military service, public security, business leadership, real estate development, sport and community service, leaving a legacy that remains deeply intertwined with Dubai’s transformation and growth over the past several decades.

ANI