The UAE has announced four days of official mourning following the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir of Qatar and one of the Gulf region’s most influential leaders.
The UAE Presidential Court confirmed that national flags will be flown at half-mast at all official entities across the country, as well as at UAE embassies and diplomatic missions overseas, from Sunday, July 12, until the end of Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
The official mourning period does not affect government or private sector working hours, meaning businesses, schools and public services will continue operating as normal.
The announcement highlights the longstanding relationship between the UAE and Qatar while recognising Sheikh Hamad’s significant contribution to the development of the Gulf region over the past three decades.
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— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) July 12, 2026
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UAE leaders pay tribute to Qatar’s Father Emir
Following the announcement, UAE leaders expressed their condolences to Qatar’s leadership and people.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, extended condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, and to the Al Thani family.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, also shared a heartfelt tribute, describing Sheikh Hamad’s passing as “our collective loss” while offering sincere condolences to Sheikh Tamim and the people of Qatar.
The Presidential Court also prayed for mercy upon the late Father Emir and expressed sympathy to his family during this period of mourning.
What does the four-day mourning period mean
Presidential Court announces four-day mourning period, lowering of flags in UAE following passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani#WamNews https://t.co/dPu4P7DNqn pic.twitter.com/DW2FGqeJbC
— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) July 12, 2026
The official mourning period is largely ceremonial and honours the late leader through national observance.
During the four days:
- UAE flags will fly at half-mast across all official government entities.
- UAE embassies and diplomatic missions abroad will also lower their flags.
- Government and private sector offices will continue operating as usual.
- No public holiday or changes to official working hours have been announced.
Residents can therefore expect normal daily activities across the Emirates throughout the mourning period.
Sheikh Hamad’s role in shaping modern Qatar
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani served as Emir of Qatar from 1995 until 2013 before voluntarily transferring power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
His leadership is widely regarded as a turning point in Qatar’s modern history.
During his reign, Qatar experienced rapid economic growth driven by the expansion of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, helping the country become one of the world’s largest LNG exporters. The resulting revenues supported major investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and technology.
His government also established the Qatar Investment Authority, now one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, with investments spanning Europe, North America and Asia.
Beyond economic reforms, Sheikh Hamad strengthened Qatar’s international profile through diplomacy, mediation efforts and global partnerships. His tenure also laid the groundwork for projects that culminated in Qatar hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
UAE-Qatar relations continue to strengthen
The UAE’s decision to observe official mourning reflects the close ties between the neighbouring Gulf countries.
Both nations are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and continue to work together across several areas, including:
- Regional security
- Economic cooperation
- Trade and investment
- Energy
- Tourism
- Infrastructure development
In recent years, bilateral relations have continued to strengthen through high-level meetings, joint initiatives and increased cooperation across multiple sectors.
The official mourning also demonstrates the UAE’s tradition of honouring respected regional leaders and standing alongside neighbouring countries during times of national loss.
A leader remembered across the region
Following Sheikh Hamad’s passing, several countries announced official mourning as a mark of respect.
Qatar declared a four-day national mourning period, while Kuwait also announced four days of mourning.
India observed one day of state mourning, reflecting Sheikh Hamad’s international influence and longstanding diplomatic relationships.
Across the region, tributes have highlighted his role in transforming Qatar into a global economic and diplomatic player while strengthening cooperation among Gulf nations.
His legacy continues through the country’s ongoing economic diversification, global investments and international engagement.
FAQs
Why has the UAE announced four days of mourning?
The UAE declared four days of official mourning following the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir of Qatar, as a mark of respect.
Will the mourning period affect work or school?
No. The UAE Presidential Court confirmed that normal government and private sector working hours will continue during the mourning period.
Until when will flags remain at half-mast?
Flags will remain at half-mast from Sunday, July 12, until the end of Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
Who was Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani?
He served as Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013 and is widely recognised for leading Qatar’s rapid economic growth and expanding its global influence.
Why is Sheikh Hamad considered an important Gulf leader?
He oversaw Qatar’s transformation into one of the world’s leading LNG exporters, expanded international diplomacy, strengthened state institutions and laid the foundation for many of the country’s major global achievements.
The UAE’s four-day official mourning period honours the life and legacy of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, whose leadership reshaped modern Qatar and influenced the wider Gulf region. While flags will remain at half-mast until July 15, daily life across the UAE continues as normal, reflecting both respect for a neighbouring nation’s loss and the close relationship shared between the two countries.
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