Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the younger brother of UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, died on Monday at the age of 76.

The Court of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid announced a 10-day period of official mourning across Dubai, with flags to be flown at half-mast from Monday.

In a statement, the Presidential Court extended its sincere condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and the Al Maktoum family, praying to Allah Almighty to grant the deceased His boundless mercy and forgiveness and to give his family patience and solace.

Sheikh Mohammed also mourned his brother in a message.

The funeral prayer for Sheikh Ahmed will be held at 1pm on Tuesday at Za'abeel Grand Mosque in Dubai.

Condolences will be received at Za'abeel Majlis for three days, beginning Tuesday from 4pm until Maghrib prayer. On Wednesday and Thursday, condolences will be received in the morning from 10am until Dhuhr prayer and in the evening from after Asr prayer until Maghrib.

Sheikh Ahmed had a long public career spanning Dubai's military, security, business and sporting sectors. He graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Britain and served in Dubai's Central Military Command before becoming its commander-in-chief. He later served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security.

He was also closely associated with Al Wasl Sports Club and horse racing and held business interests in several sectors.