Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a member of Dubai’s ruling family, has died at the age of 77, his family announced Monday.
Sheikh Ahmed was the brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai.
News of his death drew condolences from political leaders in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed sympathy to Sheikh Ahmed’s family and to the people of the United Arab Emirates.
“On behalf of the people of Israel, I send my sympathies to his family and the people of the United Arab Emirates,” Netanyahu said in a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office.
He also wished the family strength during the period of mourning.
“May his family find comfort and strength at this difficult time,” Netanyahu said.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid also sent condolences to the UAE and its leaders following the death.
“My sincere condolences are with the people and leaders of the United Arab Emirates on the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,” Lapid wrote.
He added that people in Israel were mourning alongside their friends in the UAE.
The messages reflect the close ties that have developed between Israel and the UAE in recent years. The two countries established formal diplomatic relations in 2020 under the Abraham Accords.
The UAE is led by a federal ruling system in which the country’s seven emirates retain their own royal families. Dubai is ruled by the Al Maktoum family, one of the country’s most prominent ruling houses.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has served as Dubai’s ruler since 2006. He has also held the UAE’s federal leadership roles of vice president and prime minister since 2006.
The death of Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum comes as the UAE continues to play a major role in regional diplomacy, business and international relations.
Dubai has also become one of the world’s leading commercial and tourism centers. The city is home to the Burj Khalifa, which rises about 830 meters and remains the world’s tallest building.
The Al Maktoum family has played a central role in Dubai’s growth for decades. Under the family’s leadership, the emirate developed from a regional trading center into a major global hub for finance, tourism, aviation and business.
Details about funeral arrangements and mourning ceremonies were not included in the family announcement cited in the source material.
The death has prompted messages of sympathy from leaders and officials as the UAE mourns a member of its ruling family.
For Israel, the condolences also highlight the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. Netanyahu and Lapid both expressed support for the family and the UAE people after the announcement.
The passing of Sheikh Ahmed at 77 marks the loss of a senior member of Dubai’s ruling family. His death was announced Monday, with further details expected from UAE authorities and his family.
