A deep sense of sorrow enveloped the United Arab Emirates following the passing of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Monday, drawing widespread mourning from officials, athletes, and fans across football, horse racing, and marine sports.
As the younger brother of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum—Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai—Sheikh Ahmed dedicated more than four decades to shaping the nation’s athletic infrastructure and competitive spirit.
His leadership was perhaps most visibly tied to Al Wasl Sports Club, where he served as long-standing president. Guiding the institution from its modest origins in a Zabeel residence in 1960, he fostered multi-sport excellence spanning basketball, volleyball, handball, and football, ultimately steering the club to eight UAE Pro League titles.
In the realm of equestrian sports, Sheikh Ahmed established an indelible international reputation. His famous yellow silks became a fixture at elite global racecourses, symbolizing enduring competitiveness and passion for thoroughbred racing.
Closer to home, his founding of Jebel Ali Racecourse in 1990 created a celebrated sanctuary for owners, trainers, jockeys, and racing enthusiasts across the region.
Sheikh Rashid Bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Racing Authority and Chairman of Dubai Racing Club, noted that the loss deeply impacts the entire equestrian family, highlighting Jebel Ali’s vital role in domestic racing growth.
Mohamed Al Ahmed, General Manager of Jebel Ali Racecourse, echoed these sentiments by describing the late leader as a visionary who built far more than a racetrack, creating an enduring home that reflects Dubai’s profound connection to horses.
Beyond racing and football, Sheikh Ahmed left a lasting imprint on maritime heritage. He played a pivotal foundational role in establishing the Dubai International Marine Sports Club, serving as its inaugural chairman in 1988.
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, president of the UAE Sailing and Modern Rowing Federation, praised these contributions alongside his development of elite standard equestrian facilities.
Tributes also resonated from the volleyball community, where Sheikha Shamsa Bint Hasher Al Maktoum of the UAE Volleyball Federation acknowledged his vital 24 years of backing for the Al Wasl women’s volleyball team. The report also notes that from laying the bedrock of Jebel Ali Racecourse to conquering the world’s most prestigious turf fixtures, Sheikh Ahmed carved a legacy that redefined the sport both at home and abroad. The report also notes that the club and its fan base united in emotional tribute across social media, honouring the legacy of a leader who built their foundation and shaped their glory, following news of his passing. The report also notes that “Sheikh Ahmed leaves behind a legacy filled with achievements and support for the sport of his fathers and grandfathers. The report also notes that he described him as one of the sport’s most prominent pioneers and a figure who left a remarkable mark on horse racing over several decades.
