Addeybb owner Sheikh Ahmed dies at 76 as Dubai begins mourning
The prominent owner-breeder developed Jebel Ali racecourse and raced Group 1 winners for more than four decades, with his operation enjoying renewed success in 2026.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the owner-breeder whose yellow-and-black colours were worn by Addeybb and a succession of Group 1 winners, has died aged 76.
Dubai declared a 10-day period of official mourning following his death on Monday. Flags will be flown at half-mast throughout the period.
Sheikh Ahmed was the younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai and owner of Godolphin and Darley.
In a tribute shared on social media, Sheikh Mohammed said: “You are absent from our eyes but not from our prayers and hearts, O Ahmed.”
Sheikh Ahmed was the youngest son of Dubai’s former ruler Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. After graduating from Britain’s Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, he held senior military, police and commercial roles in Dubai.
Sheikh Ahmed’s colours were carried by major winners including Australian Group 1 winner Addeybb as well as Mtoto, Wassl and 1,000 Guineas winner Elmalka.
Sheikh Ahmed developed Jebel Ali racecourse, 35 kilometres outside Dubai, in 1990. The course is also home to his racing stables.
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