H.E. President Nechirvan Barzani extended a condolence message to Dubai’s ruler following his brother’s death.
H.E. President Nechirvan Barzani expressed his condolences to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Tuesday. Sheikh Mohammed serves as the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates. He also serves as the ruler of Dubai and oversees the emirate’s government. President Barzani offered his sympathies following the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum died on Monday morning at the age of 76. His death prompted an official mourning period across Dubai, according to the Dubai Ruler’s Court. Authorities ordered flags across the emirate to fly at half-staff during the mourning period. The official mourning period will continue for ten days following his death.
President Barzani’s message came as the Al Maktoum family received condolences from officials. Leaders and senior figures have expressed sympathy following Sheikh Ahmed’s passing. Meanwhile, Dubai authorities have implemented official mourning measures throughout the emirate. The measures reflect the significance of the loss for Dubai’s ruling family.
Sheikh Ahmed held several prominent positions during his public career in Dubai. He served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security for many years. He also chaired ARM Holding, an investment company operating across different sectors. In addition, Sheikh Ahmed maintained longstanding connections with Dubai’s sporting and community institutions.
His involvement with Al Wasl Sports Club represented another important part of his public career. Sheikh Ahmed played a role in the club’s establishment and later served as its president. Under his leadership, Al Wasl developed into a major sports institution within the United Arab Emirates. The club has participated in football and several other competitive sports.
The club’s activities expanded over the years across multiple sporting disciplines and community programs. Al Wasl became particularly recognized for its football team and wider sporting presence. Sheikh Ahmed remained closely associated with the club throughout his public service. His involvement contributed to his broader connection with Dubai’s sporting community.
Meanwhile, condolences have continued to reach Sheikh Mohammed and members of the Al Maktoum family. Official messages have come from leaders and senior representatives within the region. These messages have acknowledged the death and expressed sympathy to Sheikh Ahmed’s relatives. President Barzani’s statement similarly focused on offering condolences to Dubai’s ruler.
The condolence message also reflects the diplomatic relationship between the Kurdistan Region and UAE. Officials from both sides have maintained engagement through meetings, visits, and institutional contacts. Their relationship includes cooperation across political, economic, cultural, and investment-related areas. Such diplomatic communication often accompanies significant occasions affecting regional leaders and families.
President Barzani has previously maintained contact with senior UAE officials through official engagements. The Kurdistan Region has also continued developing relations with governments across the Gulf. These relationships form part of its wider diplomatic and economic engagement with regional partners. The latest statement adds to those established diplomatic exchanges between Erbil and Abu Dhabi.
The mourning period in Dubai will continue as the Al Maktoum family receives condolences. Authorities will maintain the official measures announced following Sheikh Ahmed’s death. Meanwhile, family members, officials, and members of the public continue expressing their sympathies. The period provides an opportunity to remember Sheikh Ahmed’s decades of public service.
Sheikh Ahmed’s career included responsibilities involving security, business, sports, and community affairs. His public roles connected him with several important institutions across Dubai. His death has therefore prompted official recognition from figures within the UAE. It has also generated condolence messages from leaders and officials outside the country.
President Barzani’s statement represents an official expression of sympathy toward Sheikh Mohammed. It also acknowledges the loss experienced by the Al Maktoum family following Sheikh Ahmed’s death. The message comes during a period of formal mourning across Dubai. It highlights the diplomatic communication maintained between the Kurdistan Region and UAE leadership.
As Dubai continues its ten-day mourning period, official condolences are expected to continue. The Al Maktoum family will receive messages of sympathy from regional and international officials. Meanwhile, Dubai authorities will maintain the measures announced after Sheikh Ahmed’s passing. The death marks a significant moment of mourning for his family and Dubai.

