Son of Dubai ruler, Sheikh Rashid, dies of heart attack

Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the oldest son of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed, died of a heart attack at just 33 years of age on Saturday morning, according to United Arab Emirates state news agency WAM.

The deceased, who was an avid sportsman and horse racing enthusiast, was the older brother of Emirates’ crown prince, Sheikh Hamdan.

Their father, in addition to ruling Dubai, is the vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates.

The president, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, expressed his heartfelt condolences and solace to Shaikh Mohammed saying: “Praying Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in Paradise, and bestow patience and solace to Al Maktoum.”

The commercial hub of Dubai is one of seven sheikhdoms that comprise the Emirates federation.

The ruler’s court declared three days of mourning in Dubai where flags are expected to be flown at half-mast during the mourning period.

Hundreds of relatives and officials also gathered inside the Zabeel Mosque in Dubai to pay their respects to the ruler’s son.

His coffin, wrapped in the Emirates flag, was carried in by several of his brothers.

Prayers were said for the late Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum and his family before his body was buried in Umm Harir cemetery in Bur Dubai.

‘Today, I lost a best friend and a childhood companion, my dear brother Rashid,’ said his brother Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai. ‘You will be missed.’