When we write about His Highness the late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, we are not merely recalling a man who held a senior security position. We are remembering one of the UAE’s devoted sons who contributed to the establishment of its security and safety system, and who played an important role in key stages of building its institutions and strengthening the foundations of stability.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid was raised in the school of his father, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the founding leader who laid the foundations of modern Dubai and recognised that development could not advance without security to protect its achievements and strong institutions to safeguard the stability of society.
Following this path, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid began his military career after graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He joined the military at an early stage in the UAE’s journey and rose through the ranks and assumed increasing responsibilities until he assumed command of Dubai’s Central Military Region, contributing to its development and strengthening its role within the national defence system.
In 1997, the late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued a decree appointing Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai. In this position, he continued to shoulder his responsibilities in contributing to the security sector and to an important period in the development of Dubai’s institutions and the expansion of their responsibilities.
These responsibilities represented an extension of a national journey in which Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid worked alongside his father and brothers in service of Dubai and the UAE. He supported a security system that evolved in parallel with the emirate’s rapid growth, until security and safety became key pillars of quality of life and sustainable development.
His contributions, however, were not confined to military and security affairs. They also extended to sport, where he was among the pioneers of the UAE’s sporting movement. He founded Al Wasl Club in 1960 and became a prominent figure in horse racing from 1982. He also contributed to the establishment of the Dubai International Marine Sports Club and served as its first chairman in 1988, paving the way for the launch of the Victory Team in 1989 and leaving a lasting legacy in the development of sport in the UAE.
The journey of the UAE and Dubai has taught us that security is not merely a matter of institutions and agencies, but an integrated national responsibility that begins with protecting people and extends to safeguarding society, its achievements and its gains. Throughout this journey, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid played a distinguished role in public security during an important chapter in the building of the state’s institutions.
Today, at Dubai Civil Defence, we remember with deep appreciation his significant role in establishing Dubai’s security and safety system. We also recall the values of responsibility, discipline and dedication to serving the nation and its people that he embodied and instilled in those who followed his path.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has passed away, but his legacy remains part of the nation’s memory — the legacy of a man who belonged to the generation that laid the foundations of the nation, shouldered senior military and security responsibilities, witnessed important stages in the rise of the UAE and Dubai, and whose name remained associated with giving and service to the nation and its people.
May Allah have mercy on His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and reward him for his lifelong service to his nation and people.
