News Desk
MALE’, — President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ordered the national flag to be flown at half-mast across the country following the passing of the former Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
According to a directive (No. 14/2026) issued by the President’s Office, the Maldives will observe a 24-hour period of official mourning, with the state flag lowered from 12:00 p.m. today, Monday, 13 July, until 12:00 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, 14 July.
President Dr Muizzu departed the capital this morning for the State of Qatar to personally attend the official mourning ceremonies and convey condolences on behalf of the government and the people of the Maldives.
The late former Amir, fondly revered across the Arab world as the “Father Amir,” was laid to rest with full state honours in Doha on Sunday, 12 July.
A Steadfast Friend of the Maldives
The President’s Office stated that the decision to lower the national flag was made in profound recognition of the long-standing, brotherly ties of friendship between the Maldives and Qatar.
The gesture serves as an expression of deep gratitude for the exceptionally close relationship maintained by Sheikh Hamad during his historic 18-year reign, and acknowledges his generous contributions and steadfast support toward the socio-economic development and progress of the Maldives.
The Visionary Leader of Qatar
Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 until his peaceful abdication in 2013, was the chief architect of modern Qatar. He transformed the Gulf state from a quiet peninsula into a global economic superpower and a vital diplomatic ally for developing nations like the Maldives.
Key milestones of his historic leadership include:
He pioneered the development of Qatar’s North Field, pioneering the commercialisation of liquefied natural gas (LNG). This catapulted Qatar into becoming the world’s leading LNG exporter, securing unprecedented wealth for his nation.
Through the Qatar Investment Authority, which he established, Qatar became a major global investor. His administration directed significant funding towards international development, humanitarian aid, and infrastructure projects across the Islamic world.
In 1996, he founded the Al Jazeera Satellite Network, permanently changing the media landscape of the Middle East and giving the region an influential global voice.
He oversaw the creation of Qatar’s first permanent constitution and introduced historic municipal elections that granted Qatari women the right to vote and run for office for the first time.
He set the vision that transformed Doha into an international hub for education, culture, and sport, laying the groundwork for the historic 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In a smooth and unprecedented transition of power in the region, Sheikh Hamad voluntarily abdicated in 2013, passing the leadership to his son, the current Amir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
President Dr Muizzu will join foreign heads of state and international dignitaries at the Lusail Palace in Doha to present state condolences to the current Amir and the Qatari royal family.
