Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid was laid to rest at Umm Hurair cemetery in Dubai on Tuesday afternoon, September 22, following funeral prayers at Zabeel Grand Mosque.
The funeral procession was led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, were also at the front of the procession.
The burial followed the death of Sheikh Ahmed on Monday. His passing has led to an official period of mourning in Dubai and messages of condolences from leaders in the UAE and abroad.
Sheikh Mohammed Performs Funeral Prayer
Earlier on Tuesday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, performed the funeral prayer for his brother at Zabeel Grand Mosque.
He was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed during the prayers. The mosque became the main gathering point before Sheikh Ahmed’s burial at Umm Hurair cemetery.
The funeral was attended by members of the ruling family and other senior officials, reflecting the importance of Sheikh Ahmed’s public and community roles in Dubai.
Three Days of Condolences at Zabeel Majlis
Condolences for Sheikh Ahmed are being received at Zabeel Majlis for three days. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed offered his condolences on Tuesday.
The period for receiving condolences began at 4pm on Tuesday. On Wednesday and Thursday, condolences will be received in the morning from 10am until dhuhr prayer.
Evening condolences will also be held on Wednesday and Thursday after asr prayer until maghrib prayer, according to the announced schedule.
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Dubai Declares 10 Days of Mourning
Dubai has declared a 10-day period of mourning following Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid’s death. Tributes have been shared by leaders from the UAE, the Gulf region and other parts of the world.
Sheikh Mohammed paid tribute to his brother in a message on X, expressing his grief and remembering Sheikh Ahmed in a message of prayer and remembrance.
President Sheikh Mohamed also paid tribute to Sheikh Ahmed, saying he had made long-standing contributions to the development of the UAE since its founding.
Leaders from outside the UAE also offered their condolences to Sheikh Mohammed. Messages came from Bahrain’s King Hamad, Oman’s Sultan Haitham and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid’s Role in Dubai
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid held several important roles during his public life. He served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and was also group chairman of ARM Holding, a UAE private investment firm.
His work extended beyond public and business responsibilities, particularly into sport. He was closely associated with several major sporting institutions in Dubai and played a role in the development of racing and football in the emirate.
Sheikh Ahmed established the Jebel Ali Racecourse in 1990, which became an important part of Dubai’s horse-racing scene.
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Sheikh Ahmed and Al Wasl Sports Club
Sheikh Ahmed also had a long association with Al Wasl Sports Club, serving as its president and helping guide the club through several decades.
During his time with the club, he was associated with its sporting development and major successes. His involvement made him a familiar figure in the UAE’s sporting community.
His contribution to sport reflected his wider involvement in community and institutional development across Dubai.
Tributes Follow Sheikh Ahmed’s Death
Following his death, tributes came from leaders and institutions in the UAE as well as from international figures.
The messages highlighted his public service, business activities and contribution to the UAE’s sporting sector. His long association with Dubai Police, ARM Holding, Jebel Ali Racecourse and Al Wasl formed important parts of his public profile.
The mourning period and condolence gatherings will continue as the UAE remembers Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid and his decades of involvement in Dubai’s public, business and sporting life.