Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a senior member of Dubai's ruling family and younger brother of the Ruler of Dubai, has died at the age of 76.

The Court of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced that Sheikh Ahmed died on Monday morning, September 21.

Dubai has declared 10 days of official mourning following his death, with flags across the emirate to be flown at half mast throughout the mourning period.

The announcement was also shared by the Dubai Media Office.

SHEIKH MOHAMMED MOURNS HIS BROTHER

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, paid tribute to his younger brother following the announcement.

In a message shared publicly, Sheikh Mohammed prayed for mercy for Sheikh Ahmed and said that although his brother was no longer physically present, he would remain in the family's prayers and hearts.

He also prayed for patience and comfort for Sheikh Ahmed's family and loved ones.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, also mourned his uncle and offered prayers following his death.

10 DAYS OF OFFICIAL MOURNING

The Ruler's Court declared a 10 day period of official mourning across Dubai beginning Monday.

UAE national flags across the emirate will be flown at half mast during the mourning period.

The announcement reflects Sheikh Ahmed's position within Dubai's ruling Al Maktoum family and his decades of public service in the emirate.

Further information concerning funeral arrangements is expected to be announced through official channels.

WHO WAS SHEIKH AHMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM

Sheikh Ahmed was born on July 12, 1950, in Bur Dubai.

He was the youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Ruler of Dubai who played a central role in the development of the modern emirate.

Sheikh Ahmed was therefore a younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

He served in several public, security, business and sporting positions during his life.

Among his roles was Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security.

He was also associated with A.R.M. Holding and the Dubai Real Estate Centre.

LONG ASSOCIATION WITH AL WASL

Sheikh Ahmed also had a prominent role in Dubai's sporting community.

He served as chairman of Al Wasl Football Club and was closely associated with the club for decades.

During his leadership, Al Wasl developed into one of the UAE's best known sporting institutions.

His involvement extended beyond football into other areas of sport and community development.

PUBLIC SERVICE AND PHILANTHROPY

Sheikh Ahmed's career included military and public service responsibilities.

In 1975, he served as Commander of the Central Military Zone and participated in official military activities during the UAE's early years as a federation.

He was also involved in philanthropic initiatives.

In 2021, Sheikh Ahmed provided support through Dubai Police and Public Security towards the establishment of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital through the Al Jalila Foundation.

His activities over several decades connected him with Dubai's security, business, sporting and charitable sectors.

DUBAI MOURNS

The announcement of Sheikh Ahmed's death prompted tributes from members of the UAE leadership and wider community.

The official mourning period began immediately on Monday and will continue for 10 days.

Flags will remain at half mast across Dubai during the period as the emirate marks the death of one of the senior members of the Al Maktoum family.

Further official announcements concerning funeral prayers and related arrangements are expected from Dubai authorities.