Archive photograph, September 2020. Photo: Akbarali / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized for publication.
Emirates Wire | Tuesday, 22 September 2026
Good morning from London. Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the youngest brother of Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, died on Monday aged 76. Dubai’s Ruler’s Court declared ten days of official mourning, with flags at half-mast from 21 September.
In New York, the UN General Assembly’s annual general debate opens today. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed will lead the UAE delegation during a week in which Trump is expected to meet Gulf officials to discuss Iran.
Watch today
New York: Confirmation of Trump’s expected meeting with Gulf officials, who will attend and any readout of the talks.
Saudi oil exports: An official update on the East-West pipeline, confirmed incidents at Yanbu and notices from shipping companies or insurers.
Mourning arrangements: Official instructions and changes announced by individual event organisers.
Sheikh Ahmed’s public life
Sheikh Ahmed served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security and president of Al Wasl Sports Club. He was the youngest son of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed, Dubai’s former ruler.
He graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst before joining Dubai’s Central Military Base, which he later commanded. His business roles included chairing A.R.M. Holding and Dubai Real Estate Centre.
Al Wasl’s history records that he formed its first board in 1962, when it was known as Al Zamalek, and chaired it until 1974. His presidency continued over the following decades, and he also established Jebel Ali Racecourse in the early 1990s.
Sheikh Mohammed paid tribute to his brother: “You are absent from our eyes, but not from our prayers and hearts.” President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed also offered condolences, recalling Sheikh Ahmed’s contributions to the UAE’s development since its founding.
What the mourning announcement means
The mourning period runs through 30 September, according to The National. The court’s announcement specifies mourning and flags at half-mast; it does not order offices, schools or private businesses to close, or impose a general ban on entertainment.
Any changes to work or public events depend on the instructions issued by the relevant authorities. If you have an event or appointment during the mourning period, check directly with the organiser. Businesses planning launches or receptions should consult their hosts and partners before proceeding.
Gulf officials expected to meet Trump in New York
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, will lead the country’s delegation in New York from 22 to 28 September. The general debate begins today, after the assembly opened its 81st session on 8 September.
Trump is expected to meet leaders or foreign ministers from Gulf Cooperation Council countries on Tuesday, Reuters reported, citing Axios and unnamed sources. The White House and State Department had not responded to requests for comment in that report.
In Sunday’s Fox News interview, Trump said the options included “wiping Iran out” or letting its economy “rot” unless the two sides reached a deal, according to CNBC. Iran’s military warned of attacks on US interests across the region if Washington launched another strike, and said countries supporting such an operation would be treated as parties to the conflict.
Aramco works towards pipeline restart, Bloomberg reports
Bloomberg reported that Saudi Aramco was working towards a partial restart of its East-West pipeline within days and a return to full capacity within six weeks, citing a person familiar with the matter. Reuters, which carried the report on 18 September, said it could not verify it and that Aramco had not immediately responded to a request for comment.
The same report said Aramco had told at least two European refining customers they would receive no crude in October following the pipeline attack, again citing Bloomberg’s sources. It did not confirm that pipeline flows had resumed.
Houthis claim attacks on Riyadh and Yanbu
Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said the group had attacked Riyadh and Yanbu with missiles and drones, causing “large fires”, according to Enterprise’s Monday report. The Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted a missile fired towards Riyadh and thwarted other attacks, including attempts to target Yanbu.
Reuters video and photographs showed flames and black smoke near Riyadh’s main airport on Saturday. Its report did not establish their cause or independently confirm the damage claimed by the Houthis.
Cosmo launches sales for The Wadi
The Dh6 billion development along Yas Canal is planned to contain 3,950 homes, a hotel and commercial space across about 140,700 square metres. Sales opened on Friday, 18 September.
Cosmo is a joint venture between Abu Dhabi-based Flag Holding Group and Reportage Group, with Reportage overseeing development, delivery and long-term management. Plans include underground parking and a 6km running route through the community.
Last week’s rate increase
The Central Bank of the UAE raised its base rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 3.9%, effective from 17 September. The rate applies to its Overnight Deposit Facility, and the decision followed the US Federal Reserve’s increase in the interest it pays on reserve balances.
Sharjah Safari reopens for its fifth season
Visitors returned to Al Bardi Reserve in Al Dhaid on Monday. The park recorded 186 births between April and June, including South African giraffes, elephants, lions, oryx, blue wildebeest, impala, nyala and zebra.
It opens daily from 8.30 am to 6 pm. Behind-the-scenes animal-care tours will run during selected periods.
If Sheikh Ahmed’s work or Al Wasl has been part of your life in Dubai, I’d be glad to hear your memories. Reply to this email if you would like to share something.
Take care, especially of anyone grieving today.
Steve
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