Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a senior member of Dubai’s ruling family and a prominent figure in the emirate’s military, sporting and maritime history, has died at the age of 76, according to Khaleej Times, citing the Dubai Media Office.

Dubai declared an official 10-day mourning period beginning on Monday, with flags to be flown at half-mast across the emirate.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, mourned his brother and paid tribute to him in a message shared on social media.

“May God have mercy on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. May God have mercy on you, my brother. You have settled with a Generous and Great Lord. You are absent from our eyes but not from our prayers and hearts, O Ahmed.

“May God make you dwell in the vast expanses of His Paradise and inspire us and your loved ones with patience and solace. And to God we belong, and to Him we shall return.”

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed offered his condolences to the Dubai Ruler on the passing of his brother.

He said that Sheikh Ahmed’s longstanding contributions to the UAE’s development since the country’s founding will ‘continue to inspire the nation’s journey of progress’.

The late Sheikh Ahmed was the fourth and youngest son of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Vice-President and Ruler of Dubai. He served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Services and was president of Al Wasl Sports Club for around six decades, according to Khaleej Times.

A graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Sheikh Ahmed went on to serve in Dubai’s Central Military Region, eventually becoming its commander-in-chief. He was also closely associated with the development of horse racing in the UAE, including the establishment of Jebel Ali Racecourse and the Dubai Horse Racing Centre.

His contribution extended to maritime sports. He was involved in establishing the Dubai International Marine Club and became its first chairman in 1988, later playing a role in the establishment of the Victory Team in 1989.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan offered condolences to Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, while Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum paid tribute to his late uncle. Sheikh Mohammed also mourned his brother in a message shared on social media.