PM Modi condoles death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, 76
Synopsis
Prime Minister Modi took to X to mourn Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the 76-year-old brother of Dubai's ruler, who died Monday morning. With Dubai declaring a 10-day mourning period and Modi offering a personal tribute, the gesture underscores the depth of India-UAE ties at the highest diplomatic level.
Key Takeaways
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , brother of Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , died on Monday, 21 September 2026 , aged 76 .
PM Narendra Modi posted condolences on X , calling Sheikh Ahmed's contributions to society timeless.
Dubai declared a 10-day official mourning period, with flags flown at half-mast.
Sheikh Ahmed served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security , Group Chairman of A.R.M.
Holding , and President of Al Wasl Sports Club for 60 years .
He founded the Jebel Ali racecourse in the early 1990s to promote horse racing in the UAE .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, 21 September 2026, extended condolences on the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, brother of Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who died on Monday morning at the age of 76. Modi praised his contributions to society and conveyed solidarity with the Royal Family and the people of Dubai.
PM Modi's Message
Prime Minister Modi shared his condolences directly on X (formerly Twitter), writing: 'Deeply saddened by the passing of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. His efforts to serve society will be cherished by generations to come. I convey heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of Dubai. May his soul rest in eternal peace.'
Official Mourning Declared in Dubai
The court of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum — Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai — formally announced the passing. A 10-day period of official mourning has been declared in Dubai, during which flags will be flown at half-mast. The announcement was made via the Government of Dubai Media Office on X, which stated: 'The Court of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum... mourns the passing of the late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum this morning, Monday.'
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also paid a personal tribute to his brother.
Who Was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was the fourth and youngest son of the late ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum. He held several prominent roles over his lifetime, including Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security, Group Chairman of A.R.M. Holding, and President of Al Wasl Sports Club — a position he held for 60 years.
After graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Sheikh Ahmed joined the Central Military Base in Dubai, eventually rising to serve as its Commander in Chief, according to the Al Wasl Sports Club website.
His Legacy in Sport and Society
In the early 1990s, Sheikh Ahmed established the Jebel Ali racecourse to promote horse racing in the UAE, a legacy that endures to this day. His decades-long service across military, civic, and sports institutions made him a significant figure in Dubai's modern development.
Modi's condolences reflect the strong bilateral ties between India and the UAE, a relationship that has seen growing diplomatic and economic engagement in recent years. India is home to one of the largest Indian diaspora communities in the UAE, making the gesture particularly resonant.
Point of View
Leader-to-leader register. The relationship has been carefully cultivated over multiple Modi visits to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, making expressions of solidarity during royal bereavements part of an established diplomatic grammar. Notably, Sheikh Ahmed was not a head of state, yet receiving a direct PM-level condolence reflects how strategically India treats the entire Maktoum family ecosystem. With over three million Indians living in the UAE and bilateral trade exceeding $85 billion annually, every such gesture carries economic as well as diplomatic weight.
NationPress
21 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was the fourth and youngest son of Dubai's late ruler Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and the brother of current Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He was 76 at the time of his death and held prominent roles including Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security, Group Chairman of A.R.M. Holding, and President of Al Wasl Sports Club for 60 years.
Why did PM Modi condole the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum?
PM Modi extended condolences as part of India's close diplomatic relationship with the UAE and the Maktoum Royal Family. Modi posted a personal message on X, expressing sadness and conveying heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of Dubai.
How long is the mourning period declared in Dubai?
Dubai has declared a 10-day official mourning period, effective from Monday, 21 September 2026. During this period, flags across Dubai will be flown at half-mast, as announced by the Government of Dubai Media Office.
What were Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's contributions?
Sheikh Ahmed served as President of Al Wasl Sports Club for 60 years and established the Jebel Ali racecourse in the early 1990s to promote horse racing in the UAE. He also held senior roles in Dubai's police and public security establishment and in the private sector through A.R.M. Holding.
What is the significance of this for India-UAE relations?
India and the UAE share deep diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people ties, with a large Indian diaspora residing in the UAE. Modi's personal condolence message reflects the strength of this bilateral relationship, particularly the close rapport between Indian and Emirati leadership in recent years.
