Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed Leads Funeral Prayers for Late Brother Sheikh Ahmed

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, solemnly performed the funeral prayer for his late brother, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid, on Tuesday at the Zabeel Grand Mosque. According to an announcement from the Dubai Media Office on X, the Ruler of Dubai was joined by prominent leaders, including Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

Official condolences for Sheikh Ahmed, who passed away on Monday, are being hosted at the Zabeel Majlis over a three-day period. Mourning protocols began on Tuesday afternoon following maghrib prayer, and will continue through Wednesday and Thursday during morning hours from 10am until dhuhr prayer, as well as in the evening following asr prayer until maghrib.

In response to the loss, authorities declared ten days of official mourning in Dubai as heartfelt tributes emerged from leaders across the UAE and international figures. Sharing a touching message on X, Sheikh Mohammed wrote, “You are absent from our eyes, but not from our prayers and hearts.” President Sheikh Mohamed also paid tribute, highlighting Sheikh Ahmed's enduring contributions to the nation's development since its founding, and prayed for his eternal peace and comfort for his loved ones.

International leaders, including Bahrain's King Hamad, Sultan Haitham of Oman, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, extended their condolences and warm wishes to Sheikh Mohammed. Throughout his life, Sheikh Ahmed served as deputy chairman of Dubai Police and group chairman of ARM Holding, a UAE private investment firm. He was also widely recognized as a passionate supporter of athletics in the Emirates, having founded the Jebel Ali Racecourse in 1990 and steered Al Wasl Sports Club toward significant achievements as its president.