Divers dived deep into the lake of the crash site with hopes of locating Ahmed. The muddy water has hampered diver’s search efforts, "especially challenging" due to extremely poor visibility. Heavy downpours are a contributing factor to the muddy water. Local fishermen are also taking part in the search. 

At the time Ahmed went down, it is believed that he was wearing his metal head helmet. Search helicopters have flown up and down the lake in a grid like pattern. The helicopters have been equipped with metal detectors in hopes of picking up Ahmed’s helmet. The cause of the crash continues to remain unclear. Security service vehicles with diplomatic plates have been seen coming and going from the waterfront estate where Sheikh Ahmed had been staying. Few details have emerged about the accident. 

In 2009, Ahmed was ranked as the 27th most powerful person in the world by Forbes, in although Ahmed brother, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is the Chairman of ADIA. Ahmed's eldest brother, which practically more powerful than Ahmed, but inaccurately not listed in the list of most powerful person, but ranked 2nd in Forbes the World's Richest Royals. He is one of the sons of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. 

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) is a sovereign wealth fund owned by Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. ADIA has never published how much it has in assets. As a result of this, there is some debate on how much the fund has under control. Accepted estimates have been between $650 billion to approximately $875 billion in assets. On November 26, 2007, ADIA agreed to invest $7.5 billion in Citigroup, the largest United States bank. This deal gives ADIA 4.9% of the New York–based bank, making it the second largest shareholder, with Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Al Saud of Kingdom Holding of Saudi Arabia the third largest shareholder, with 4.3%.