Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Dies at 76
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was a member of Dubai’s royal family.
He died at the age of 76.
He helped make horse racing more important in the United Arab Emirates.
In 1990, he established Jebel Ali Racecourse.
The track has a horseshoe shape and ends with a difficult uphill section.
He reportedly found the area while riding a horse.
He also owned and bred successful racehorses.
His horses Wassl and Mtoto won important races in Ireland and Britain.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a Dubai royal, died at age 76.
He established Jebel Ali Racecourse in 1990.
The racecourse became an important part of the UAE racing calendar.
Its design includes a horseshoe-shaped layout and a challenging uphill finish.
Sheikh Ahmed owned and bred horses including Wassl and Mtoto, which won major races.
- Who
- Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a Dubai royal, and horse owner and breeder.
- What
- He died at age 76 and is being remembered for establishing Jebel Ali Racecourse and supporting international horse racing.
- When
- He established Jebel Ali Racecourse in 1990; the article does not state the date of his death.
- Where
- Dubai and Jebel Ali Racecourse in the United Arab Emirates; his horses also competed in Ireland and Britain.
- Why
- He is notable for developing Jebel Ali Racecourse and owning and breeding successful racehorses.
- Age at death
- 76
- Racecourse founded
- Jebel Ali Racecourse
- Year established
- 1990
- Track design
- Horseshoe-shaped layout with an uphill finish
- Notable horse
- Wassl won the Irish 2,000 Guineas in 1983
- Other notable horse
- Mtoto won major Group 1 races in Britain
- Racing colors
- Yellow silks with black epaulettes