Dubai, Makkah Mourn Prominent Royal, Religious Figures

Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, brother of Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, died Monday at age 76. Dubai declared 10 days of official mourning with flags at half-mast, and Fujairah announced the same period. He had served as deputy chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security, second deputy ruler of Dubai, chairman of A.R.M. Holding and Al Wasl Sports Club, and former commander of the Central Military Zone. King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Mohammed bin Salman each sent condolence cables. Narendra Modi posted: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. His efforts in serving the community will be appreciated by future generations." Ishaq Dar posted sorrow on behalf of Pakistan's government and people. Ibrahim Adel Al-Madani, one of 24 principal muezzins at Makkah's Grand Mosque, died at 51 in the early hours of Monday after delivering the first Fajr adhan hours earlier. Funeral prayer was scheduled after Asr at the Grand Mosque before burial at Al Mualla Cemetery. Born in Madinah in 1976, he began calling adhan at 15 and was appointed in 1439 AH; users reposted his dawn calls and Eid takbeers as a hashtag with his name circulated. On an earlier Ashraqat podcast he said: "Who am I that my voice should rise in this pure place?" CONTESTED: No contested claims found in the record.