Flags are flown at half-mast, while some public events may be scaled back during the period of mourning.
When a prominent leader dies or a tragedy claims multiple lives, the UAE may declare an official period of mourning as a mark of respect. It is a solemn way of honouring those who have passed, with flags flown at half-mast and, depending on the circumstances and the person being mourned, public events and entertainment potentially scaled back or work arrangements adjusted.
The death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Monday, September 21, prompted a 10-day mourning period in Dubai, during which flags will be flown at half-mast across the emirate.
But what does an official mourning period in the UAE involve? And how much does everyday life change when one is declared? Here’s what you need to know:
How long does a mourning period last?
There is no single fixed duration for an official mourning period in the UAE. The length can vary depending on who has died, the circumstances of the death and whether the mourning period is declared at the federal or local level.
For example, following the death of UAE Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in November 2004, the country observed a 40-day official mourning period. The same duration was observed after former UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan died in May 2022.
In 2023, the UAE declared three days of mourning following the death of Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, brother of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In November 2019, the UAE also declared three days of mourning following the death of Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
When 45 Emirati soldiers were killed in the line of duty during Operation Restore Hope in 2015, the UAE declared three days of official mourning and designated November 30 as Martyrs’ Day.
Mourning periods can also be declared at the emirate level. In February 2025, Ajman announced three days of mourning following the death of Sheikh Saeed bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, with flags flown at half-mast.
Flag protocol during the mourning period
During an official mourning period, flags are flown at half-mast as a mark of respect for the deceased.
According to guidelines issued by the UAE Government Media Office, when the state declares mourning for the death of an individual identified by the government, UAE diplomatic missions, embassies and consulates abroad must fly their flags at half-mast for the specified mourning period, following notification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The flag should first be lowered to the bottom of the flagpole, then raised again to the half-mast position.
If the flagpole is not already carrying a flag, the flag should first be raised to the top of the pole before being slowly lowered to the half-mast position.
Do businesses and offices close during the mourning period?
This depends on the official announcement. In some cases, government departments and public-sector entities may suspend work or operations for a specified period. Private-sector companies may also be directed to suspend operations, but this is not automatic with every mourning declaration and depends on government directives.
The official announcement will normally specify which entities are affected, along with the dates and duration of any work suspension.
Following the death of former UAE President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, for example, all federal and local government departments, ministries and schools were closed for eight days, while private companies suspended operations for three days.
Will events and entertainment be cancelled during the mourning period?
Depending on the circumstances and the person being mourned, public celebrations, entertainment events and other activities may be cancelled, postponed or scaled back during the mourning period. The specific measures are determined by the relevant authorities and are generally announced alongside the mourning declaration.
In 2022, multiple events were suspended “with immediate effect” following the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. These included the fifth edition of The Culture Summit in Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Comedy Festival, Dubai Opera and the Sharjah Reading Festival.
In 2006, several events, including the Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Marathon and Global Village, were suspended following the death of then UAE Vice-President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
How do radio stations mark the mourning period?
During official mourning periods, radio and television broadcasters in the UAE traditionally adjust their programming to reflect the occasion.
Upbeat music, presenter-led segments and entertainment features that normally fill the airwaves may be suspended temporarily, with stations typically adopting a more restrained tone during the period of mourning.
Mourning can extend beyond the UAE
Official mourning practices are not limited to members of the UAE’s ruling families, prominent figures or UAE citizens. The country has also declared mourning periods following the deaths of leaders in other countries as a mark of respect and solidarity.
For example, in July this year, the UAE declared a four-day mourning period following the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the father of the current Emir of Qatar.
