Following the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the father of the current Emir of Qatar, the UAE has officially announced a four-day mourning period. As a mark of respect, the Presidential Court has ordered that flags be flown at half-mast across all government institutions, as well as at UAE embassies and diplomatic missions worldwide. This period of mourning is set to run from Sunday, July 12, through the end of Wednesday, July 15, with officials extending their deepest sympathies to the Al Thani family.

The gesture of solidarity has been echoed by Kuwait, where the Emir, Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, has also decreed a four-day mourning period with similar protocols for flags to be flown at half-mast. Meanwhile, Qatar has declared an official public mourning period, which includes the suspension of operations at government agencies and public institutions until July 19. The late Sheikh Hamad will be laid to rest at Lusail Cemetery following funeral prayers held at the Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahab Mosque.