By Maher Ahmed - Reporter
Somalia, July 13 2026 – Somalia has ordered national flags to fly at half-mast for three days following the death of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism said on Monday.
In a statement, the ministry said the directive was issued by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and requires all government institutions to lower the national flag during the mourning period.
The ministry said the decision reflects Somalia's solidarity with the government and people of Qatar during the period of national mourning.
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Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died on Sunday at the age of 74, according to the Amiri Diwan of Qatar. Qatar has declared four days of official mourning.
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013, when he abdicated in favour of his son, the current Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
During his reign, Qatar expanded its liquefied natural gas industry, increased its global investments and played a growing diplomatic role in regional and international affairs.