What Is Closed in Qatar During the National Mourning Period: July 12 to 15, 2026
Following the passing of His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani on July 12, 2026, the Amiri Diwan of Qatar announced a four-day national mourning period beginning that same day. This is one of the most significant national events in Qatar’s recent history, and it has brought specific closures and changes across the country that every resident and visitor needs to know about.
Here is the complete guide to what is closed, what is suspended, what continues, and when normal life resumes.
Government Offices and Public Institutions: Closed
The Amiri Diwan confirmed that work in all ministries and government agencies, bodies and public institutions is suspended starting Monday July 13, 2026.
Government employees are not expected to report to work from Monday July 13 through to Saturday July 18. Work resumes on Sunday July 19, 2026.
This covers all government ministries, public bodies, and government-affiliated institutions across Qatar.
Flags at Half-Mast
Flags are being flown at half-mast throughout the State of Qatar for the full duration of the four-day mourning period. This applies to all public buildings, government facilities and official locations across the country.
Entertainment, Events and Public Celebrations
During a national mourning period in Qatar, all public entertainment events, concerts, celebrations and large public gatherings are expected to be suspended or postponed out of respect. This includes events that were scheduled to run during the mourning period.
If you have tickets to or plans for any entertainment events in Doha during this period, check directly with the organiser or venue for updates on postponements or cancellations.
Private Sector and Businesses
The official closure announcement from the Amiri Diwan covers government entities specifically. Private sector businesses, malls, supermarkets, restaurants and essential services are not under a mandatory closure order and many will continue to operate, though some may voluntarily reduce hours or close as a mark of respect.
Expect some variation across private businesses. Essential services including hospitals, pharmacies, petrol stations and supermarkets typically continue operating during mourning periods. Contact specific venues or businesses directly if you need to confirm.
What Remains Open
Emergency services, hospitals, healthcare facilities and essential public services continue operating normally throughout the mourning period. Hamad International Airport continues operating. Petrol stations, pharmacies, supermarkets and essential retail are expected to remain open.
The Qatar Metro and public transport typically continue operating during national mourning periods.
Condolences at Lusail Palace
During the mourning period, His Highness the Crown Prince is receiving condolences from leaders of states, the ruling family, dignitaries and citizens at Lusail Palace on Monday July 13, Tuesday July 14 and Wednesday July 15, 2026, during the morning period.
Citizens and residents wishing to pay their respects should follow the official Amiri Diwan channels for guidance on public condolence arrangements.
When Does Normal Life Resume?
Government work resumes on Sunday July 19, 2026. The four-day mourning period began Sunday July 12 and covers through Wednesday July 15. From July 16 onward, flags will return to their normal position and regular programming across public and private life is expected to gradually resume.
How to Follow Official Updates
All official announcements regarding the mourning period, closures and condolences are published by the Amiri Diwan of Qatar at diwan.gov.qa and on the @AmiriDiwan account on X. The Qatar News Agency at @QNAEnglish on X is also publishing real-time updates on all developments.
For all our coverage of the passing of His Highness the Father Amir and the national mourning period, see our dedicated article: Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani: Funeral, Mourning Period and World Leaders in Doha.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the government closed in Qatar during the national mourning period?
Yes. All ministries, government agencies and public institutions are closed from Monday July 13 to Saturday July 18. Government employees return on Sunday July 19, 2026.
Are malls and shops open during Qatar national mourning?
Malls and private businesses are not under a mandatory closure order. Many may voluntarily adjust hours or close as a mark of respect. Check directly with specific venues.
Are hospitals open during Qatar national mourning?
Yes. Hospitals, healthcare facilities and emergency services continue to operate normally throughout the mourning period.
When does the Qatar national mourning period end?
The four-day national mourning period began Sunday July 12, 2026. Government work resumes Sunday July 19, 2026.
Are flights operating during Qatar national mourning?
Yes. Hamad International Airport continues operating normally.
