Dubai ruler appoints Ahmed bin Mohammed as chairman of Al Wasl Sports Club
In short
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, appointed Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, as Chairman of Al Wasl Sports Club. Sheikh Butti bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum was appointed Vice Chairman of the club. The appointments were announced in Dubai on 2 October 2026 and reported by the state news agency WAM and two business outlets.
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Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, appointed Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, as Chairman of Al Wasl Sports Club, according to WAM and the two other outlets reporting the decision. The same order appointed Sheikh Butti bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum as Vice Chairman of the club. All three accounts agree on both appointments and on the titles of the appointees. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
The state news agency WAM reported the appointments from Dubai on 2 October 2026, and the business outlets Emirates 24|7 and Aletihad carried the same two names and titles. Emirates 24|7 additionally described Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed as Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. None of the documents gave a reason for the appointments, said when they take effect, or stated whether the previous holders of the two posts remain at the club. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Why it matters
The appointments place a senior Dubai royal, who is also Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, at the head of one of the emirate's sports clubs, alongside a new vice chairman. The documents give no detail on what the change means for the club's management or activities, so the practical effect is not set out in the coverage.
Key facts
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum appointed Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Chairman of Al Wasl Sports Club. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Sheikh Butti bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum was appointed Vice Chairman of the club. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and, according to Emirates 24|7, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The appointments were reported on 2 October 2026. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was appointed Chairman of Al Wasl Sports Club by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Sheikh Butti bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum was appointed Vice Chairman of the club. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The appointment was announced by the Ruler of Dubai, who is also Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Still unclear
- Whether the previous chairman or vice chairman of Al Wasl Sports Club left the posts, and why the appointments were made. None of the documents state a reason for the appointments or mention any previous office-holders.
- When the appointments take effect and what changes they bring to the club's management. The documents give only the two appointments and do not describe their timing or effect.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Emirates 24|7 reports the appointment of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed as Chairman of Al Wasl Sports Club and Butti bin Maktoum bin Juma as Vice Chairman. [ 1 ]
- WAM, the Emirates News Agency, reports the same two appointments from Dubai. [ 2 ]
- Aletihad publishes the WAM report on the appointments. [ 3 ]