The Emirate of Dubai announced official mourning and lowering of flags for ten days, starting today, Monday, with the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, one of the most prominent symbols of the ruling family, who left clear imprints in the security and sports careers over the decades.
The office of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, mourned the deceased, who passed away on Monday morning. Sheikh Ahmed is the son of the former ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, and the fourth and youngest son of Sheikh Rashid, who ruled Dubai between 1958 and 1990 and was one of the founding fathers of the state.
In a moving eulogy, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid expressed the loss of his brother, saying: “May God have mercy on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum… May God have mercy on you, my brother… You have rested with a great, generous Lord… You will be absent from our eyes and will not be absent from our prayers and hearts, Ahmed… May God make you dwell in His spacious paradise… and inspire us and your loved ones with patience and solace… We belong to God and to Him we shall return.”
On the professional and military level, the deceased graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Britain, then joined the military service, assuming command of the Central Region military base in Dubai, before later assuming the position of Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in the emirate.
In the sports field, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid represented a milestone. He was associated with Al-Wasl Club since its early years and assumed its presidency for a long period, supporting its career until he was nicknamed among its fans as the “godfather” of Al-Wasl. His career in the world of equestrian and horse racing extended for more than four decades, during which his horses with the famous yellow and black stables achieved victories in local and international arenas, and his name was closely linked to Jebel Ali Racecourse, which turned into one of the most prominent horse racing arenas in the country.
His sporting contributions were not limited to that, but extended to include marine sports. He contributed to the establishment of the Dubai International Marine Sports Club and assumed its presidency when it was established in the late 1980s, coinciding with the launch of the Emirati presence in international marine competitions.
