Sheikh Rashid, son of Dubai's ruler, dies of heart attack at age 33

Gregg Zoroya | USA TODAY Opinion

The oldest son of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum died of a heart attack at age 33 Saturday morning, according to the United Arab Emirates' official state news agency WAM.

The deceased Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was the older brother of the emirate's heir apparent, the crown prince Sheikh Hamdan. Their father, in addition to ruling Dubai, is the vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates.

A three-day period of mourning was declared and emirate flags flown at half-mast. The burial was late Saturday. The Dubai ruler prayed over the body of his son at the burial, according to WAM.

Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed was a graduate in 2002 of the Sandhurst Military Academy in England. A horse-racing enthusiast and avid sportsman, he was active in philanthropic efforts and chairman of the UAE Olympic Committee from 2008 to 2012, according to UAE government-sponsored media reports.

He was also a competitive equestrian, winning gold medals in equestrian endurance events.

Sheikh Rashid was the first male child of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his senior wife, Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum.

The commercial hub of Dubai is one of seven sheikhdoms that comprise the Emirates federation.