The UAE has expressed its condolences following the death of the former Qatari Emir and declared a four-day mourning period in honour of the late leader.
UAE Extends Condolences Following Former Qatari Emir’s Passing, Announces Four-Day Mourning.
The UAE has ordered flags to be lowered to half-mast at all official buildings nationwide and at its diplomatic missions abroad beginning Sunday, honouring the occasion of mourning.
UAE Announces Four-Day Mourning Following Passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
The United Arab Emirates has announced an official four-day mourning period following the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the father of His Highness the Emir of Qatar. The announcement reflects the UAE’s expression of respect and sympathy following the loss of a prominent member of Qatar’s ruling family.
The Presidential Court issued a statement confirming the mourning arrangements and extended condolences to Sheikh Hamad’s family, as well as to the leadership and people of Qatar. The UAE conveyed its deepest sympathies during this period of grief and offered prayers for the late Sheikh Hamad’s soul to be granted peace and mercy.
As part of the official mourning observance, flags will be lowered to half-mast at government departments, public institutions and other official establishments throughout the UAE. The same measure will also apply to UAE embassies and diplomatic missions located outside the country.
The mourning period will begin on Sunday, July 12, and continue until the conclusion of Wednesday, July 15. During these days, the lowering of flags will serve as a national gesture of remembrance and respect in honour of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
The decision highlights the close relationship between the UAE and Qatar, as well as the importance of mutual respect between the two neighbouring countries. The UAE’s tribute reflects the longstanding ties between the leadership and people of both nations.
Official mourning periods are observed as a sign of respect for significant figures and allow institutions and citizens to express their condolences. Lowering the national flag to half-mast is a recognised symbol of mourning and remembrance used by governments around the world.
The Presidential Court’s statement also conveyed solidarity with the Al Thani family during their time of loss. It expressed wishes for strength and comfort for Sheikh Hamad’s relatives and those affected by his passing.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was a respected member of Qatar’s ruling family and the father of the current Emir of Qatar. His passing prompted expressions of sympathy and condolences from across the region.
The UAE’s announcement follows a tradition of recognising important occasions involving neighbouring states and regional partners. Through the official mourning period, the country has demonstrated its respect for Qatar’s leadership and its people during this difficult time.
During the four-day period, government institutions and diplomatic offices representing the UAE abroad will observe the mourning measures. The half-mast display of flags will serve as a visible mark of respect and remembrance.
The announcement also reflects the close diplomatic and cultural connections shared by the UAE and Qatar. Both countries maintain historical ties through geography, regional cooperation and shared interests.
The UAE leadership expressed its condolences and prayed for Sheikh Hamad’s legacy to be remembered with honour. The statement emphasised respect for the late Sheikh and extended support to his family.
The mourning period provides an opportunity for the UAE to formally acknowledge the loss and stand in solidarity with Qatar. Such gestures are considered important in strengthening relations and demonstrating compassion during times of bereavement.
Across the UAE, official institutions will follow the announced protocol throughout the mourning period. UAE diplomatic missions abroad will also observe the same arrangements, ensuring that the tribute is reflected internationally.
The announcement of the four-day mourning period is part of the UAE’s established practice of paying tribute to prominent regional figures. It reflects the country’s commitment to maintaining strong relations and showing respect towards allied nations and their leadership.
As the mourning period begins, the UAE continues to extend its condolences to the Al Thani family and the people of Qatar, offering prayers and support following the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Kuwait and Qatar Announce Mourning Measures Following the Passing of Sheikh Hamad
Kuwait has joined regional nations in paying tribute following the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani by announcing an official mourning period lasting four days. The decision reflects Kuwait’s respect for the late member of Qatar’s ruling family and its solidarity with the Qatari leadership and people during this period of bereavement.
The directive was issued under the instructions of Kuwait’s Emir, Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah. As part of the official mourning arrangements, Kuwaiti flags will be lowered to half-mast at government buildings and public institutions throughout the country.
The same tribute will also be observed at Kuwait’s diplomatic missions overseas, including embassies and official representations abroad. Lowering flags is a traditional symbol of mourning and a formal expression of respect following the passing of significant figures.
The mourning period in Kuwait began on Sunday, with state institutions following the announced protocol to honour Sheikh Hamad. The measure reflects the close relationship between Kuwait and Qatar, as well as the wider regional respect for the late Sheikh.
Qatar has also announced its own official mourning period following the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former leader and father of the current Emir of Qatar. The announcement was made after his passing on Sunday, July 12.
The Amiri Diwan, Qatar’s official authority responsible for matters related to the Emir and the ruling family, confirmed the mourning arrangements and announced temporary changes to government operations as part of the national observance.
Under the announced measures, ministries, government departments and public institutions in Qatar will suspend normal operations beginning Monday, July 13. Employees working in these organisations will resume their duties on Sunday, July 19, following the completion of the official mourning period.
The temporary closure of government offices is part of Qatar’s national mourning arrangements and allows officials, employees and citizens time to honour the late Sheikh Hamad. Such periods are traditionally observed following the passing of prominent members of the ruling family or national figures.
The announcement has led to expressions of condolences and support from across the Gulf region, with neighbouring countries recognising Sheikh Hamad’s role and offering sympathies to Qatar’s leadership and citizens.
Funeral arrangements for Sheikh Hamad have also been announced. Funeral prayers will take place after the Maghrib evening prayers on Sunday at the Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahab Mosque in Doha.
Following the prayers, Sheikh Hamad will be laid to rest at Lusail Cemetery, where family members, officials and dignitaries are expected to gather to pay their final respects.
The Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahab Mosque is one of Qatar’s most significant religious landmarks and has hosted important national events, including major prayers and ceremonies. The location reflects the importance of the occasion and the respect being shown to the late Sheikh.
The funeral and mourning arrangements provide an opportunity for Qatar’s leadership, citizens and residents to remember Sheikh Hamad and honour his contributions. The period of national mourning also allows people to express their condolences and stand together in remembrance.
The announcements from Kuwait and Qatar highlight the close connections between Gulf countries and the tradition of showing mutual support during times of loss. Regional leaders often express solidarity with one another through official mourning declarations and public gestures of respect.
The four-day mourning periods announced in both countries demonstrate the significance of Sheikh Hamad’s passing and the respect held for him among Gulf nations. Through flag-lowering ceremonies, government observances and official tributes, the countries have marked the occasion in accordance with established customs.
As Qatar continues its mourning period, government institutions, citizens and residents are observing the announced arrangements while paying tribute to Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The funeral ceremonies and official condolences reflect the region’s recognition of his place within Qatar’s history and leadership.
