Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

On 12th July 2026, Government of India declared a one-day national mourning (on 13th July) following the demise of the Father Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

As a mark of respect, the National Flag is being flown at half-mast across India on all government buildings where it is regularly displayed, and no official entertainment is being held during the day.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani served as the Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013 before voluntarily transferring power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
During his reign, Qatar witnessed rapid economic, social, and infrastructural development, driven by its natural gas resources, significantly enhancing its global influence.