Flag of Qatar
countryThe flag of Qatar was adopted on July 9, 1971. Maroon field with a white serrated hoist band. It uses 2 colours: maroon and white. The official proportions are 11:28.
Hoist
Ratio 11:28
Fly
Basic Flag Information
| Flag Name | Flag of Qatar |
|---|---|
| Country | Qatar |
| Official Country Name | State of Qatar |
| Capital | Doha |
| Continent | Asia |
| Region | Western Asia |
| ISO Country Code | QA / QAT |
| Internet Domain | .qa, قطر. |
| Calling Code | +974 |
| Currency | Qatari riyal (QAR) |
| National Language(s) | Arabic |
| Demonym | Qatari |
| Area | 11,586 km² |
| Population | 3.1 million (2025 est.) |
Flag Specifications
| Official Flag Name | Flag of Qatar |
|---|---|
| Adopted On | July 9, 1971 |
| First Used | 1949 |
| Current Version Adopted | July 9, 1971 |
| Flag Proportion | 11:28 |
| Flag Shape | Rectangle |
| Number of Colors | 2 |
| Main Colors | Maroon, White |
| Design Type | Maroon field with a white serrated hoist band |
| Official Status | Official National Flag |
| Government Authority | Government of Qatar |
Flag Color Information
| Color | Appearance | HEX Code | RGB | CMYK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maroon | #8A1538 | 138, 21, 56 | 0, 85, 59, 46 | |
| White | #FFFFFF | 255, 255, 255 | 0, 0, 0, 0 |
Flag Design and Symbols
| Maroon colour | Represents the blood shed in the wars of the 19th century, and the effect of the sun on the local dye |
|---|---|
| White colour | Represents peace |
| Nine points | Qatar as the ninth member of the “reconciled emirates” of the Gulf after the 1916 treaty |
| Proportions | At 11:28, the longest national flag in the world relative to its height |
Flag History
| Year / Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 1949 | The design was first used |
| 1971-07-09 | The current flag was officially adopted |
| Present | The flag remains in official use |
| Present | The flag remains in official use |
Flag Dimensions and Construction
| Official Ratio | 11:28 |
|---|---|
| Width | 11 units (hoist) |
| Length | 28 units (fly) |
Qatar Flag Usage
| Government Buildings | Yes |
|---|---|
| Schools | Yes |
| Civil Use | Yes |
| Official Ceremonies | Yes |
| Sports Events | Yes |
| National Holidays | Yes |
| Military | Yes |
| Naval Use | Yes |
| Embassies | Yes |
| International Events | Yes |
Other Official Flags of Qatar
| Flag Type | Use | Link |
|---|---|---|
| National Flag | National representation | View flag |
| Civil Flag | Used by civilians | View flag |
| State Flag | Used by government | View flag |
| War Flag | Used during military operations | View flag |
| Naval Ensign | Used by the navy | View flag |
| Air Force Flag | Used by the air force | View flag |
| Presidential Standard | Used by the head of state | View flag |
| Royal Standard | Used by the monarch | View flag |
| Historical Flag | Previous national flag | View flag |
Quick Facts About the Flag
| Flag Age | 55 years old as of 2026 |
|---|---|
| Adoption Date | July 9, 1971 |
| Oldest Version | 1949 |
| Most Common Color | Maroon |
| Similar Flags | Bahrain |
| Unique Feature | Maroon field with a white serrated hoist band |
Other serrated (zigzag) division flags
See all
Facts about the Flag of Qatar
- At 11:28 this is the most elongated national flag in the world, more than two and a half times as long as it is tall.
- The maroon began as red dye that faded under the sun to a distinctive shade; the faded colour was eventually made official.
- The nine points of the serrated line mark Qatar as the ninth member of the reconciled emirates under the 1916 treaty with Britain.
- The flag of Qatar was officially adopted on July 9, 1971.
- The design is older than its adoption. It was already in use in 1949, 22 years before it was formally made the flag of Qatar.
- The flag in its present form is 55 years old as of 2026.
- Design type: Maroon field with a white serrated hoist band.
- The official proportions are 11:28. No other national flag in the world uses it.
- The flag uses 2 colours: maroon and white.
- The maroon on the flag stands for the blood shed in the wars of the 19th century, and the effect of the sun on the local dye.
- The white on the flag stands for peace.
- Nine points: Qatar as the ninth member of the “reconciled emirates” of the Gulf after the 1916 treaty.
- Proportions: At 11:28, the longest national flag in the world relative to its height.
- The design belongs to the "Serrated (zigzag) division" family, shared with 1 other flag in this reference.
- Flags most often confused with it: Bahrain.
- Qatar became independent on 3 September 1971 from the United Kingdom.
- Football is the national sport; Qatar hosted the 2022 World Cup.
- The national animal is the Arabian oryx, the national symbol.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Flag of Qatar
When was the flag of Qatar adopted?
The flag of Qatar was officially adopted on July 9, 1971, though the design had already been in use since 1949.
What do the colours of the flag of Qatar mean?
Maroon for the blood shed in the wars of the 19th century, and the effect of the sun on the local dye and white for peace.
When did Qatar gain independence?
Qatar became independent on 3 September 1971 from the United Kingdom.
What is the national sport of Qatar?
Football is the national sport; Qatar hosted the 2022 World Cup.
What do the symbols on the flag of Qatar represent?
Nine points — Qatar as the ninth member of the “reconciled emirates” of the Gulf after the 1916 treaty. Proportions — At 11:28, the longest national flag in the world relative to its height.
What are the proportions of the flag of Qatar?
The official ratio is 11:28, which makes the flag rectangular.
What is the national anthem of Qatar?
The national anthem is "As-Salam al-Amiri".
When is the national day of Qatar?
It falls on 18 December, National Day, and the flag is flown across the country.
What is the national animal of Qatar?
The national animal is the Arabian oryx, the national symbol.
What is the capital of Qatar?
The capital is Doha. The currency is the Qatari riyal (QAR) and the language spoken is Arabic.