History of the Qatar Flag: Maroon Tradition, Nine Points & the 1960 Design
Qatar’s distinctive maroon-and-white flag developed over more than a century before reaching its present form in 1960.
1851: maroon becomes a Qatari flag color
The Amiri Diwan records that Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani adopted maroon-red as the color of Qatar’s flag in 1851.
Why maroon?
Qatari historical sources connect the shade with local textile traditions and maroon-red dyes used in the region.
The serrated white band develops
Later Qatari flags combined maroon with a white hoist area separated by a serrated edge.
Nine points and the word Qatar
During the reign of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, the flag used nine points separated by diamond forms, and the Arabic word “Qatar” appeared in white on the maroon field.
Why nine points?
Official sources explain the nine points as reflecting Qatar’s position as the ninth member of the reconciled emirates following its 1916 treaty relationship with Britain.
1960: the modern shape
The Amiri Diwan states that the flag took its present shape in 1960 during the reign of Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani.
2012 flag law
Law No. 14 of 2012 established detailed rules governing the flag’s design, colors, materials, display protocol and protection from disrespect.
What has remained constant?
The maroon-and-white identity and serrated division remain the defining features of Qatar’s national flag.
