Flags will also be lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect.
The United Arab Emirates has declared four days of official mourning following the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir of Qatar.
During this period, flags will be flown at half-mast at all official institutions across the UAE, as well as at the country’s embassies and diplomatic missions overseas. The mourning period will begin on Sunday, July 12, and continue until Wednesday, July 15.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani served as the Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013, before handing over leadership to his son, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the current Emir of the State of Qatar.
The UAE’s official mourning period will not impact normal work schedules.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, paid tribute to the late Father Emir of Qatar, honoring his legacy and contributions.
He expressed his condolences, saying: “My sincere sympathies go to my brother, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the brotherly people of Qatar following the passing of their beloved Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani — a loss shared by us all.”
The UAE Presidential Court announced the official mourning period through the Emirates News Agency.
The official statement said: “The Presidential Court has declared four days of official mourning following the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, father of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar.”
“Flags will be flown at half-mast at all official institutions across the UAE, as well as at the country’s embassies and diplomatic missions overseas, for four days from Sunday, July 12, until the end of Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
“May God grant the departed eternal rest, and may the Al Thani family be blessed with strength and solace during this difficult time. Indeed, to God we belong and to Him we shall return.”
