A lifetime of service: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid's contributions to security and defence

Dubai: The career of the late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was closely linked to key milestones in the history of military and security work in Dubai. Throughout his career, he assumed leadership responsibilities in the military and security sectors and witnessed the development of the emirate's institutions and the modernisation of their capabilities. The late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid received his military education at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom before returning to Dubai and joining the Central Military Region base. He rose through the ranks until he assumed command of the base. During his leadership, the base underwent significant development, strengthening its position as one of the leading military facilities supporting the UAE's national defence system. A significant milestone in his security career The year 1997 marked a major milestone in his security career. On 24 December 1997, the late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, then Ruler of Dubai, issued Decree No. 14 of 1997 appointing Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum as Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai. The decree not only appointed him to the position but also authorised him to exercise the powers of the Chief of Police and Public Security in the latter's absence, placing him among the emirate's senior security leadership. Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid assumed this responsibility at a time when Dubai was experiencing rapid urban, economic and population growth. These transformations brought increasing security demands and required the continuous development of policing capabilities, human resources and institutional structures. During his years in office, Dubai Police underwent successive stages of development and modernisation in parallel with the emirate's transformation and the expansion of its economic, tourism and commercial sectors. Security remained one of the key pillars supporting this growth, whether through the protection of lives and property or by providing the safe environment necessary for society and the economy to thrive, as policing became increasingly specialised and professional. Promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General His career took another significant turn in April 2005 when His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, then Crown Prince of Dubai, Minister of Defence and Chief of Police and Public Security, issued a decree promoting Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid from Major General to Lieutenant General. The promotion came after several years of service as Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security. This period witnessed further expansion and modernisation within Dubai Police. Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid continued to hold the rank of Lieutenant General, and his name remained closely associated with Dubai's police and public security system. As a senior leader within the force, he witnessed an important era in the development and modernisation of the security apparatus. His years of service remain part of the institution's history and were linked to major transformations that helped shape modern Dubai. Condolences Security and national leaders mourned Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, recalling his long record of service, his contributions to strengthening security and stability in Dubai, and the impact he left through the positions he held. A lifetime of service Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai, said: "With hearts that believe in God's will and decree, and in acceptance of His judgment, we bid farewell to a towering national figure and a symbol of sincere national service, the late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose passing marks the end of a distinguished chapter filled with dedication and devotion to serving the nation across many important stages and fields." He added: "The late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid was an outstanding figure who combined military discipline, strategic vision and sports leadership. He was raised on love of the homeland and the values of leadership and chivalry. After graduating from the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, he assumed responsibility within the Central Region military command in Dubai and later led it with efficiency and competence, becoming a model of loyalty and military professionalism." Dhahi Khalfan said the late Sheikh Ahmed's contributions extended beyond the military field to include the security, economic and sporting sectors. "I was honoured to work alongside him and always knew him to be sincere and deeply committed to the security, stability and progress of Dubai. In his role as Deputy Chief of Dubai Police and Public Security, he left a clear and lasting impact on the development of security work." He added: "In sport, he had a strong leadership presence, particularly through his presidency of Al Wasl Club, where he contributed significantly to the club's progress and sporting stature, in addition to the economic and social roles he underto