Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Dies At 76: Who Was Dubai Ruler’s Younger Brother?

Dubai on Monday mourned Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who died at the age of 76. The emirate announced an official 10-day mourning period beginning Monday, with flags to be flown at half-mast.

Sheikh Ahmed, the fourth and youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, held prominent positions across Dubai’s security, sports, horse racing and business sectors. He was the younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

From Military Service To Dubai Police

Sheikh Ahmed graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK before joining Dubai’s Central Military Command, where he later became commander-in-chief, according to Al Wasl Sports Club’s official website.

He went on to serve as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security. He was also closely associated with Al Wasl Sports Club, having been involved with the club since the early 1960s, when it was known as Al Zamalek, later chairing its board.

His association with horse racing was another major part of his public profile. Sheikh Ahmed was involved in the technical design of Jebel Ali Racecourse alongside trainer Dhruba Selvaratnam. The racecourse and grandstand were built in 1990, with racing beginning the following year, according to the Emirates Racing Authority.

He also owned the adjoining Jebel Ali Stables. Figures from the racing authority record 614 wins from 4,475 runs for horses owned by him, giving him a strike rate of 13.7 per cent.

He continued to patronise international races held under his name, including events at Ireland’s Curragh Racecourse.

Business Interests And Real Estate Legacy

Sheikh Ahmed was also chairman of A.R.M. Holding, a private investment firm with interests spanning real estate, hospitality and banking, as well as sectors such as healthtech, sustainable food, mobility, fintech and cultural initiatives.

According to Khaleej Times, the company’s real estate portfolio includes Dubai Real Estate Centre, which manages more than 3,200 residential and commercial units; Huna, a developer focused on architecture, culture and commerce; and Hive Coliv, a flexible co-living operator.

Under Sheikh Ahmed’s patronage, Dubai Real Estate Centre developed several projects after its establishment in 1991, the news outlet stated. These included The Beach Centre, described by the company as the first mall built on Jumeirah’s beach road, in 1993, and Palm Spring Village, a 145-villa gated community in Al Sufouh.

The centre also delivered Dubai Creek Tower in 1995, described as the first landmark at Deira Creek and the second-tallest building in Dubai at the time.

Sheikh Ahmed’s career therefore spanned several institutions central to Dubai’s development, from security and public service to sports, horse racing and private investment.