Qatar’s national flag has a deep maroon field with a white vertical band at the hoist separated by a serrated line of nine white points. Its unusually long proportions make it distinctive among national flags.

What does the Qatar flag look like?

The narrow white section occupies the hoist side. Nine triangular points form the boundary with the larger maroon field.

Why maroon?

Flags in the Gulf traditionally used red, but Qatar’s distinctive dark maroon shade became associated with the country and may have been reinforced by the way local dyes reacted to strong sunlight. White was historically added to distinguish peaceful treaty states.

Why nine points?

The nine serrations are traditionally associated with Qatar’s place among the Gulf emirates that entered treaty relations with Britain in the early twentieth century.

Qatar flag facts

• Colors: maroon and white
• Serrated points: nine
• Independence: 1971
• Distinctive feature: very long flag proportions