Official Palette
Symbolism
The maroon color (specifically 'Qatar maroon') represents the historical dye produced in the region. The white represents peace. The nine points (serrated edge) represent Qatar as the 9th member of the 'reconciled Emirates' following the treaty of 1916.
History
The unique maroon color was adopted in the 1930s to distinguish it from the red flags of neighboring states. It was officially adopted in its current form in 1971.
Construction
A 11:28 ratio (the longest and narrowest national flag). A white band at the hoist separated by a nine-pointed serrated line from the maroon field.
Color Meanings
Country Facts
- Population
- 3.2M
<0.1% of Asia
- Capital
- Doha
- Languages
- Arabic
- Continent
- Asia
- Subregion
- Middle East
- Landlocked
- No
- Borders
- ISO 3166-1
- QA
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- July 9, 1971
- Proportions
11:28 (≈2.545)
- Total Colors
- 2
Influences
Lookalike Comparison
Side-by-side analysis of high-confusion flags, comparing exact color shades, proportions, and historical divergence.
Direct Lookalike Comparison
Quick Tell
Qatar is maroon with 9 serrated points and an extra-wide 11:28 ratio; Bahrain is red with 5 points and 3:5.
Color Shades & Hex Codes
Qatar: Qatar maroon
#8D1B3D
Bahrain: Bahrain red
#CE1126
Historical Divergence
Qatar's unique maroon shade comes from shell-dye pigments that darken in the desert sun. The 9 points represent Qatar as the 9th member of the Trucial States agreement.
Flags with resemblance
Both feature a white hoist with a serrated zigzag border. Bahrain is red with 5 points at 3:5; Qatar is maroon with 9 points at 11:28.
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The longest and narrowest national flag in the world
- Exactly nine points must be present in the serrated edge
Practice
Think you know the flags of Middle East? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.