Prince Of Dubai Dies: Sheikh Rashid’s Funeral Honors Life, Cause Of Death Rumored A Drug Overdose [Video]

After a Prince of Dubai dies at such a young age, many are wondering how Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum could have suffered a massive heart attack. Although not much information has been released about the state of the young man’s health, we do know he was very active in sports, and as Sheikh Rashid’s funeral continues its three-day mourning period, many rumors are starting to spread about a potential drug overdose.

In a related report by the Inquisitr, after the Prince of Dubai dies, the state run media related the shock felt by the UAE. It is said that the young man suffered the heart attack on Saturday morning, but the state media did not provide many other details.

“Allah bless the deceased young man … We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return,” the Dubai Ruler Court said, the media reported.

The 33-year-old Prince of Dubai was the eldest son of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and also the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates. During Sheikh Rashid’s funeral, many hundreds of relatives and officials gathered to offer condolences to the family.

“Today, I lost a best friend and a childhood companion, my dear brother Rashid,” said Sheikh Rashid’s brother, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, according to The Muslim Issue. “You will be missed.”

Reports were filled with stories about Sheikh Rashid’s love for sports. The young man was a keen horse lover and was the owner of Zabeel Stables. He also enjoyed soccer and supported Manchester United.

The UAE National Olympic Committee (UAE NOC) also noted the Prince of Dubai’s own accomplishments during his short life.

“Shaikh Rashid has left behind a brilliant sports career achieved during his lifetime,” said UAE NOC vice president Abdul Rahman Al Owais.

Shiekh Rashid won two gold medals riding in endurance races at the Asian Olympics in 2006. He was also part of the team which won the gold medal. According to Albawaba, he also won “trophies in big equestrian events including titles at the Lutzenberg ride over 130km; the Endurance Challenge in Switzerland in 1998, the Italian 160km Endurance Championship in 2000; and the Bazilio 102km Endurance Championship in Spain the same year.”

Unfortunately, after a Prince of Dubai dies at such a young age, many rumors began to spread on social media about Sheikh Rashid’s cause of death.

“Heart attack? Another name for drug overdose amongst the rich and powerful!” wrote one social media user.

The Muslim Issue even outright claimed that Sheikh Rashid suffered from drug abuse.

“Premature heart attacks are not uncommon with drug users. Rashid was sent to secret detox clinics in Europe several times but his addiction was so deep they failed to get him clean. Both Dubai crown prince’s have drug problems but the eldest one, Rashid, was apparently the one with the most severe addiction.”

But others have pointed out that a heart attack at age 33 does not necessarily mean a drug overdose should be presumed.

“Apart from your sheer lack of compassion, your ignorance is alarming,” wrote Fashionista. “Heart attacks can be brought on by a number of factors – unattended high blood pressure, consumption of copious amounts of red meat, alcohol and other unhealthy lifestyle choices. My cousin is currently managing Cardio myopathy (weakened heart muscles), which would have definitely led to a heart attack if he had ignored his constant breathlessness a little as a week longer and he is 38 and has never done drugs! More than anything though, show some compassion for the deceased and his family.”

Although some have chosen to use social media as a platform for spreading rumors, many social media users offered their sentiments of condolences. In addition, scores of dignitaries and representatives traveled in person to offer their support.

“This month has been a sad month for the UAE. We have mourned the loss of several of our sons,” said Musallam Al Ahbabi, an Emirati government employee from Hatta, according to The National. “Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid visited the families of our fallen soldiers and stood by their side. He treated them all like his children and today he lost his eldest son. The least we can do is be there for him to show him our love and support during this grieving time.”

Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was buried in Umm Hurair cemetery in Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai. He was age 33.

[Image via Bellanaija]