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Mourning in UAE: What happens on radio when a royal figure dies?
Radio stations adopt a more solemn tone during official mourning periods
- PUBLISHED: Mon 21 Sept 2026, 4:08 PM UPDATED: Thu 24 Sept 2026, 6:51 PM
UAE residents tuning in to their usual radio stations on their morning drive or daily commute may have noticed something different: the familiar mix of music, presenter banter, competitions and live entertainment had given way to a quieter, more sombre broadcast format.
The change comes as radio stations adjust their programming during Dubai’s 10-day official mourning period following the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
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During official mourning periods, radio and television broadcasters in the UAE have traditionally adjusted their output to reflect the occasion. That can mean taking a break from upbeat music, competitions, entertainment-led talk segments and other regular programming. News bulletins continue to provide information, while the overall tone of broadcasts becomes more subdued.
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Speaking to Khaleej Times, veteran RJ at City 1016 Parikshit Balochi explained that at Arabian Radio Network (ARN), the response begins almost immediately after an official announcement. “I am just talking about ARN, because we are a part of DHE-Dubai Holding Entertainment. As soon as we get the news, we shift programming…we immediately go into instrumental music.”
“We can’t go off air because going off air is something no radio station can do. So, all the entertainment is off. We even stop the ads. No client mentions. Nothing. We just completely move on to instrumental music and mourning music as a sign of respect.”
Upbeat music and entertainment put on hold
For many UAE residents, the first indication that something has changed may come during their usual drive to work.
The upbeat music, presenter-led segments and entertainment features that normally fill the airwaves are stopped temporarily. Stations typically adopt a more restrained tone in keeping with the period of mourning.
Balochi said ARN has changed its music mix, with stations avoiding upbeat and party tracks.
“So, for the 10 days mourning period…we’ve changed the music as well. We are not playing any party music, and we are not having the regular fun shows that we used to have. So, it’s going to be understated, respectful and not go all out."
He added, “We’ll resume playing upbeat music from Monday (September 28).”
Stations will resume broadcasting after an initial three-day period, but the official mourning period remains in effect. The return to air does not mean an immediate return to regular programming. Instead, stations continue to reflect the mood of the mourning period through a more measured music selection and restrained presentation.
Putting upbeat music and entertainment on hold during mourning periods in the UAE is not a new practice. Radio stations have previously altered their schedules during official periods of mourning following the deaths of members of the UAE ruling families.
Regular entertainment programming has been suspended or significantly reduced, while stations have turned to more solemn formats, including classical or instrumental music and religious programming.
During the mourning period following the death of the late UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2022, for example, radio channels suspended their regular programming. Some stations broadcast Quranic recitations, while others played classical music.
How the mood on air changes
When news comes of the passing of a member of a ruling family, the transition listeners hear can happen within moments.
Rather than radio falling completely silent, the voices, entertainment and familiar programming gradually recede, replaced by instrumental music and official announcements appropriate to the occasion.
“There’s always an official station voice for announcements. So, we do those announcements (even) for Eid, during Ramadan fasting timings, and so on.
During the initial period of mourning, radio may remain on air while entertainment programming is paused.
For the presenters and producers listeners usually hear every day, the quieter airwaves also mean stepping back from their usual public-facing roles.
Balochi said radio teams continue coming into work, using the period to plan and carry out other responsibilities behind the scenes.
“All these last three days, we’ve been going to work earlier than usual. We go there, we sit down, we plan the next steps, we see what updates are coming in and we do all the other work. There’s a busy season coming ahead, so we plan for that.”
Ronak Kotecha, a former content manager and news presenter at 89.1 Radio 4 and former presenter at Talk 100.3, said exact arrangements can vary between stations, but the broader approach is similar.
He said, “Behind the scenes, the work continues. Planning, administration and campaign preparation carry on even when presenters are away from their usual programmes.”
