UAE has declared a four-day mourning period for the demise of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, former Emir of Qatar, father of the current Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. According to an official statement issued by the UAE Presidential Court, national flags will be flown at half-mast across all government institutions, ministries, and UAE embassies and diplomatic missions abroad from Sunday, July 12, through Wednesday, July 15.
The UAE also expressed its sincere condolences to the family of the late Sheikh Hamad and their entourage, wishing peace and eternal rest for the departed, and condoling with them in their grief, and pledging support to His Highness’s government and people. The decision comes after the death of the late ruler was announced on Sunday, marking a four-day public period of mourning in Qatar. Ms. Khasabouni, who was appointed as acting secretary of state of foreign affairs for energy by the Amiri Diwan, said that ministries and government bodies, as well as public institutions around Qatar, would cease functioning from Monday, July 13. The official period of mourning over the death of a governor, minister, or famous person ends on Sunday, July 19, when employees resume work.
After the funeral prayers following Maghrib prayers at the Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahab Mosque in Doha, Sheikh Hamad will be interred at the Lusail Cemetery. On the other hand, the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, ordered the declaration of four days of official mourning in the country. Kuwait’s flags too will be flown at half-mast across the country and at the country’s embassies around the world, in honour of the late leader. The simultaneous declaration of the Gulf countries by the leader of Qatar, His Holiness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who contributed greatly to the development of Qatar and the affairs of the Gulf, points to their appreciation of him.
