National Mourning for former Qatar Emir on July 13, 2026

Key facts

• India declared a one-day national mourning on July 13, 2026, following the death of the former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast across the country on all buildings where it is regularly flown.
• Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, referred to as the Father Amir, served as the Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013.
• There will be no official entertainment conducted by the Government of India on the designated day of mourning.
• Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju is expected to visit Qatar to convey condolences on behalf of the Indian government.
• Sheikh Hamad assumed power in June 1995 and is credited with transforming Qatar into a leading global producer and exporter of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
• He handed over power in 2013 to his son, the current Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.