Qatar Lowers Flag to Half-Mast Following Death of Former Emir

The flag-lowering protocol, known as "تنكيس العلم," was observed in Doha on July 12, 2026, after the announcement of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani's death.

• Qatar's flag was lowered to half-mast at the Amiri Diwan headquarters in Doha on July 12, 2026, following the death of former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
• The protocol requires raising the flag to the top of the mast, then lowering it to the middle, where it remains for the official mourning period.
• The flags of Saudi Arabia and Iraq are exceptions and are never lowered due to their inclusion of religious inscriptions.