Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid: An enduring presence and an unforgettable legacy

Dubai: The late Lieutenant General Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, former Deputy Chairman of Police and Public Security in Dubai, Chairman of A.R.M. Holding and Chairman of Al Wasl Sports Club, played a prominent role across key chapters of the UAE’s national and sporting development.

His decades-long career spanned military and security service, institutional development, support for sport and emerging talent, as well as charitable and humanitarian initiatives. Known for his humility, closeness to the community and commitment to charitable causes, his humanitarian work was a natural extension of his long record of public service.

Sheikh Ahmed was the fourth and youngest son of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the founder of modern Dubai, and 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 received his military education at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom before returning to Dubai and joining the Central Military Command.

He rose through the ranks to eventually assume command of the base. During his leadership, it underwent significant development, strengthening its position and role within the UAE’s military establishment.

National, military and security responsibilities formed a central part of Sheikh Ahmed’s career. His name became closely associated with serving the country, developing institutions and strengthening their capabilities.

He later served as Deputy Chairman of Police and Public Security in Dubai, building on his extensive experience in public service. Throughout these roles, his work centred on serving the nation, supporting its institutions and reinforcing security and stability.

Alongside his national service, Sheikh Ahmed became one of the most prominent figures in Dubai and the UAE’s sporting landscape, with Al Wasl Sports Club occupying a particularly important place in his life.

His relationship with the club dated back to its earliest years, when it was known as Al Zamalek. He was associated with the club first as a player and later as a leader and supporter, before becoming its chairman and forming its first board of directors in 1962.

From then on, Sheikh Ahmed became one of the names most closely associated with Al Wasl’s history. His leadership and support continued for decades as the institution expanded, developed a large fan base and established a presence across numerous sports in addition to football.

For Sheikh Ahmed, sport was not merely about competition. He saw it as a means of developing people, discovering talent and creating opportunities for young people.

His support therefore extended across a wide range of sports, helping provide an environment in which athletes could develop their abilities and pursue their ambitions. That approach was reflected in Al Wasl’s growth, the expansion of its sporting activities and its standing both locally and across the region.

Sheikh Ahmed also had a deep interest in equestrian sport and horse racing.

In the early 1990s, he established Jebel Ali Racecourse, contributing to the development of horse racing in the UAE. He also launched Al Adiyat Centre and Dubai Racing Centre to support the industry and strengthen its infrastructure, including training, breeding and competition.

His involvement in horse racing, however, predated these initiatives. In 1982, his horse Wasl won the Irish 2,000 Guineas, marking an early milestone that reflected his longstanding passion for the sport.

His sporting interests also extended to marine sports.

Sheikh Ahmed was one of the key figures involved in establishing the Dubai International Marine Club and became its chairman when it was launched in 1988, making it one of the region’s early specialised institutions in the field.

That period was also associated with the beginnings of the Victory Team in 1989, which would go on to become a prominent name in powerboat racing.

Beyond his official responsibilities and contributions to sport, Sheikh Ahmed was known for his humanitarian work, humility and commitment to charitable causes.

He supported humanitarian and charitable initiatives aimed at serving the community and assisting people in need, reflecting his belief that responsibility extended beyond official positions to society and its people.

His support for young people and athletes represented another dimension of that commitment. He worked to provide opportunities for talented individuals and encouraged them to continue developing their abilities.

This left him with an enduring place in the memories of generations of athletes and Al Wasl supporters. Over the years, his association with the club became part of the identity and history of “The Emperor”, having accompanied Al Wasl from its earliest days and contributed to important stages of its growth and development.

The life of the late Lieutenant General Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum brought together national, military and security service, sporting leadership, and community and humanitarian work.

Spanning decades, his journey encompassed institution-building, the development of sport and support for generations of talent. Across these different fields, service to the nation and community remained a constant theme, leaving his name closely associated with important chapters in the history of Dubai’s sporting movement and the development of its institutions.