Dubai ruler’s eldest son Sheikh Rashid dies of heart attack

Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the son of Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, passed away on Saturday due to a heart attack, Dubai Media Office announced on Twitter.

Sheikh Rashid, 33, was the owner of Zabeel Stables and the eldest son of Sheikh Mohammed, who is also the United Arab Emirates’ Prime Minister and Vice President.

Prayers for Sheikh Rashid will be held at Zabeel mosque and his body will be buried in the cemetery in Umm Hurair.

The Dubai ruler’s court has declared a three-day mourning and flags across the UAE will be flown at half-mast. However, government departments will continue working as normal during the mourning period, official news agency WAM reported.

Dubai’s crown prince and Sheikh Rashid’s brother Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum wrote on Twitter: “Today, I lost a best friend and a childhood companion.. my dear brother Rashid.You will be missed.”

Also see: Video: Sheikh Rashid’s life and achievements