The painter has recently been honoured with the Qatar citizenship by Dubai’s neighbouring country, Qatar. According to sources, Hussain did not apply for the citizenship but the Royal family of Qatar themselves conferred him with the citizenship. The artist wrote above a line sketch of a horse, "I, The Indian origin painter M.F. Hussain at 95 have been honoured by Qatar nationality."

A close friend of Hussain, Ram Rahman, who is a designer and activist said, "The citizenship has been offered by the sheikha, the wife of the sheikh of Qatar, and it has several implications. He has not given up his Indian citizenship yet but if he decides to take up the Qatari offer, he will not remain an Indian citizen anymore.