U.A.E mourning Sheikh Rashid, son of Dubai’s ruler, dead at 33

Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a son of Dubai’s ruler and elder brother to the emirate’s heir apparent, died at age 33 on Monday.

His father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum continued to accept condolences on Monday at the Zabeel Palace in Dubai.

The United Arab Emirates state news agency WAM said Saturday that he died of a heart attack.

Sheikh Rashid was the first son of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his senior wife, Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum. In addition to his role as Dubai ruler, Sheikh Mohammed is vice president and prime minister of the UAE.

Sheikh Mohamed received messages of condolences from fellow Arab leaders. His highness was also accepting condolences on Saturday at his Zabeel Palace in Dubai.

Sheikh Rashid was an avid sportsman and horse racing enthusiast. His younger brother Sheikh Hamdan is Dubai’s crown prince.

The commercial hub of Dubai is one of seven sheikhdoms that comprise the Emirates federation. The ruler’s court has declared three days of mourning.

Sheikh Rashid has been laid to rest at the Umm Hurair cemetery in Al Fahidi area, Bur Dubai, after a grand funeral procession, Saturday.

The procession was led by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

[With AP]