Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the younger brother of Dubai’s Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, died on Monday morning at the age of 76, the Dubai Media Office confirmed. Dubai has declared 10 days of official mourning, with flags to be flown at half-mast across the emirate.

The funeral prayer will be held on Tuesday, September 22, at 1pm at Za’abeel Grand Mosque in Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed paid tribute to his brother in a message shared on social media, writing, “You are absent from our eyes, but not from our prayers and hearts.” UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also extended his condolences, recognising Sheikh Ahmed’s long-standing contribution to the UAE’s development since its founding. Condolences were also extended by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, who expressed their sympathies to the family.

Photo: News24

Sheikh Ahmed was the fourth and youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Vice President and Ruler of Dubai who played a central role in the emirate’s modern development. His elder brothers, Sheikh Maktoum and Sheikh Hamdan, predeceased him.

Following his studies at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK, Sheikh Ahmed began his military career with Dubai’s Central Military Region and went on to serve as its commander-in-chief. He also served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Services and was a founding figure of Al Wasl Sports Club, where he served as president for decades following the club’s formation in Za’abeel in 1960.

Sport was another defining part of Sheikh Ahmed’s public life, particularly horse racing. Over a career spanning decades, his yellow and black silks appeared at some of the world’s most prominent races, with notable victories including Mtoto’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Coral-Eclipse wins, Tobougg’s Dewhurst Stakes triumph, 1,000 Guineas victories with Ameerat and Elmalka, and Addeybb’s Champion Stakes success.

Photo: Gulfnews

He also founded Jebel Ali Racecourse and remained a prominent figure in UAE racing, while his involvement with Al Wasl helped shape the club’s sporting legacy. Under his long association with the club, Al Wasl went on to establish itself as one of the UAE’s leading sporting institutions, including eight UAE Pro League football titles.

Tributes have also come from the British racing community. The British Horseracing Authority and the Jockey Club recognised his longstanding contribution to the sport, while Godolphin’s Managing Director for the UK and Dubai, Hugh Anderson, described him as “a simply outstanding owner and breeder whose contribution to our sport will be felt for many years to come.”

Sheikh Ahmed’s death marks the passing of a member of Dubai’s ruling family whose public life extended across military service, policing, football and international horse racing, leaving a presence across several of the emirate’s institutions.

In Today’s Headlines, Moroccan-American rapper French Montana is officially engaged to Sheikha Mahra Mohammed Rashed Al Maktoum, daughter of Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin. The rapper’s team confirmed the news on August 27, with reports that French proposed during Paris Fashion Week back in June shortly after walking the runway for the 3.Paradis Spring/Summer 2026 show.

Rumors about French Montana and Sheikha Mahra started spreading late last year, when she posted pictures of the rapper exploring Dubai by her side. Fans quickly picked up on the chemistry. Still, the two kept things low-key until this summer, when they finally appeared hand in hand at Paris Fashion Week.

For her, this engagement would be a fresh start. Sheikh Rashid bin Mana was actually Sheikha Mahra’s first husband, and the two have a young daughter together. Things, however, didn’t last. By July 2024, the marriage was over and it wasn’t some quiet, behind-the-scenes separation either. Mahra went straight to Instagram and told everyone herself.

Conclusion

With the engagement now public, the big question is what’s next, will it be a luxurious Dubai wedding or a private ceremony far from the spotlight? Whatever the case, all eyes will be on the couple’s next chapter.

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In a display of leadership as inspiring as it is visionary, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, once again reaffirmed his role as the dynamic force behind the Emirate’s soaring success on the global innovation stage at the second edition of the Dubai AI Festival.

Held on April 23–24, as part of Dubai AI Week, the festival welcomed more than 10,000 global innovators, 500+ investors, and delegates from over 100 nations. Yet, it was the Crown Prince’s captivating appearance that truly set the tone, offering an insight into Dubai’s bold AI-driven future.

“Dubai AI Festival stands as a testament to our vision of positioning Dubai as a global leader in artificial intelligence innovation,” said Sheikh Hamdan. “Our commitment goes beyond technology—it is about empowering people, inspiring progress, and designing a future without limits.”

His words weren’t just uplifting—they were a plan for transformation. With an unshakable belief in the boundless potential of AI, the Crown Prince reminded the world that Dubai is not merely adapting to change—it is defining it.

An Inspirational Tour Led by a Visionary Leader

Sheikh Hamdan began his tour at the Dubai AI Campus pavilion, immersing himself in the most advanced AI solutions and initiatives that define Dubai’s innovation system. His genuine interest, curiosity, and support of local and global talent were evident as he engaged with experts and entrepreneurs alike.

At the Google Cloud workshop, His Highness explored how generative AI is empowering start-ups—a testament to his forward-thinking focus on nurturing the next generation of innovators.

Continuing his visit, he explored the Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation (SIEF) pavilion, which spotlighted China’s cutting-edge start-ups. His appreciation for cross-cultural collaboration and investment opportunities demonstrated his unique ability to bridge continents through innovation. He also visited the South Korea pavilion, where he was introduced to the spirit and sophistication of Korean AI advancement, again highlighting his dedication to global partnerships.

A Prince Among Visionaries

Later, inside the main plenary hall, Sheikh Hamdan joined some of the world’s most prominent thought leaders to participate in a compelling session titled “AI for All.” Here, the conversation focused on inclusivity, access, and empowering AI—a belief Sheikh Hamdan has championed passionately. His involvement added dignity to the conversation, showing that in Dubai, leadership leads from the front.

With over 800 AI companies now calling Dubai home—66% of which have chosen it as their global headquarters—the Emirate is no longer just participating in the AI revolution. It’s leading it.

The Dubai AI Festival was not only a historic event—it was a celebration of leadership. Leadership that is fearless, future-facing, and forever committed to building a world where intelligence and imagination know no limits.