Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, younger brother of Dubai’s Ruler and UAE Vice President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has died at the age of 76.

His death was announced on Monday through the official X account of the Government of Dubai Media Office.

The office of Sheikh Mohammed declared an official mourning period in Dubai and ordered flags to be lowered for 10 days, beginning Monday.

In a statement, the office said Sheikh Ahmed had “passed to the mercy of his Lord this morning, Monday,” adding, “Indeed, to God we belong, and to Him we shall return.”

Sheikh Mohammed also paid tribute to his late brother, writing, “May Allah have mercy on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. May Allah have mercy on you, my brother. You are now with our Lord, the Most Generous, the Almighty.”

He added, “You are gone from our sight, Ahmed, but never from our prayers or our hearts.”

According to The Independent, Sheikh Ahmed served as deputy chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security.

He was also a prominent figure in international horse racing, having owned notable British racehorses including Mtoto and Addeybb, as well as the Jebel Ali racecourse in Dubai.

The Dubai Racing Club also paid tribute to Sheikh Ahmed, acknowledging his longstanding contribution to sports and equestrianism in the United Arab Emirates.