Lead:
The United Arab Emirates observed the death of Sheikh Ahmad bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Monday. Officials announced a funeral prayer scheduled for Tuesday at Al Zaabil Grand Mosque in Dubai. Regional and international leaders, including the Saudi Crown Prince, Iraqi Prime Minister, Qatar's Emir, and India's Prime Minister, extended formal condolences to Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and other family members.
Details:
Al-Khaleej reported that the Government of Dubai's Media Office confirmed funeral arrangements, stating that the funeral prayer would be held Tuesday at Al Zaabil Grand Mosque in Dubai at 1:00 p.m. local time. The announcement did not specify cause or date of death beyond confirmation that Sheikh Ahmad passed away Monday morning.
International condolences flowed from multiple heads of state and government officials. The Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud each sent formal messages of sympathy to Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, both issued separate condolences addressing both Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
According to Al-Khaleej, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Fadel Al-Zubaidi and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa also extended official condolences. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow via social media platform X, citing the loss as a matter of personal concern.
Within the Emirates, senior officials and dignitaries issued statements. Muhammad Saeed Al-Shehhi, Secretary-General of the National Media Council, offered condolences in an official statement. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of the Ruler in the Al Dhafra Region, and offices of the rulers of Ras Al-Khaimah and Umm Al-Quwain issued formal tributes. Sheikh Latifa bint Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Culture and Arts in Dubai, stated on X that Ahmad bin Rashid "will remain present in Dubai's memory and its people." Dr. Anwar bin Muhammad Qaqish, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President, extended official condolences on behalf of the leadership.
Watch For:
Funeral proceedings scheduled for Tuesday will provide occasion for additional statements and attendance by regional and international delegations. Family succession matters and any related announcements may follow in coming days or weeks. Further details regarding cause of death and biographical retrospectives may emerge as mourning period begins.