Qatar bids farewell to the Emir Emeritus Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa... Gulf states declare mourning and lower flags to half-mast

After a reign rich in contributions and achievements that transformed Qatar from a small nation into a global player in diplomacy, media, and investment, Qatar said a sorrowful farewell yesterday to the Emir Emeritus, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. His body was laid to rest in Lusail Cemetery following the Maghrib and funeral prayers at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque in Doha.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, known by the title Emir Emeritus, died at the age of 74, after a rule spanning from 1995 to 2013 that witnessed broad political and economic transformations in Qatar.

In a statement, the Emir Diwan said, “With hearts believing in God’s decree and destiny, the Emir Diwan mourns the great loss of the nation, the late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, may God have mercy on him, who passed away on the morning of 27 Muharram 1448, corresponding to July 12, 2026, at the age of 74.”

The Diwan added, “May God envelop the great loss of the nation in His boundless mercy and forgiveness, and grant him rest in the spaciousness of His Paradise with the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous. What excellent companions they are! May God reward him with the best recompense for the monumental and enduring deeds he performed for his country and the Arab and Islamic ummah.”

The Emir Diwan announced a general period of mourning throughout the country and the lowering of flags. It ordered the suspension of work in ministries, other government bodies, and public institutions and entities starting Monday, with employees to resume their duties next Sunday.

The Diwan stated that Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim, will receive condolences from world leaders, the ruling family, dignitaries, and citizens at Lusail Palace on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and from after the Asr prayer until the Isha prayer.

Sheikh Hamad is regarded as the figure associated with the stage of building the modern state and the architect of its economic rise and regional and international influence. He led a period of economic and diplomatic expansion that strengthened Qatar’s regional and global presence, before breaking a long-standing tradition by voluntarily handing over power to his son and heir apparent, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in June 2013, to ensure a smooth transition of authority.

Born in 1952, Sheikh Hamad assumed power in 1995 and is viewed as one of the architects of modern Qatar, leading the country during a period of rapid economic growth.

He enhanced Qatar’s standing on the international stage by developing the Al Jazeera television network, as well as through Doha’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals.

Despite its small size, with a population exceeding 2.5 million, Qatar is the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas. It is also a global investment power and plays an influential role in Middle Eastern diplomacy and international media.

In a scene reflecting the depth of cohesion and loyalty, grief enveloped Qatari streets, and feelings of loss and sorrow dominated social media platforms. Following the announcement by the Emir Diwan of the death of Emir Emeritus Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, Qataris mourned a “historic leader and a loving father.”

Qataris widely shared a video recording the moment the Emir Emeritus handed over power, focusing on his enduring advice, in which he urged them to remain steadfast in truth regardless of changing times and circumstances. These words became the most prominent content circulated on social media platforms in Qatar.

Journalist Jaber Al-Harmadi expressed the sentiments of Qataris, stating that “God bears witness that they loved him as he loved Qatar and its people,” noting that he built his nation, elevated its status, and defended the causes of his ummah.

In the same vein, media personality Mohsen Al-Yazidi affirmed that the late leader’s name was inextricably linked to the nation’s renaissance and dignity, leaving a solid legacy that will remain present in the consciousness of every Qatari.

Writer Faisal bin Jassim Al Thani viewed the late leader as a rare, exceptional figure and a political genius who showed courage in difficult situations, leaving behind an indelible heritage. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani wrote that the loss is great, calling on God Almighty to protect the country’s Emir, his deputy, and the loyal people.

Tributes were not limited to officials but extended to public figures, influencers, and businessmen. Influencer Abdullah Al-Ghafri stated that Qatar had lost a man who built its modern renaissance, and Muslims had lost a leader who never hesitated to support their causes, with his achievements standing as a testament to his contributions.

Influencer Ghanem Al-Muftah described the “Father Emir” as being close to his people and loving toward his children, noting that Qatar had lost a great leader and a compassionate father to every Qatari household.

For his part, businessman Adel Ali bin Ali expressed his deep sorrow at the passing of the Father Emir, affirming that his consolation lies in the fact that the nation does not depart and remains in the hearts.

Businessman Hamad Al-Hajri affirmed that the late leader had outlined the contours of Qatar’s future and laid the foundations from which it rose to become a towering state, stressing that the greatest tribute to him is rallying around the leadership of the country’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and continuing the path of construction in unity.

Citizens’ emotions flowed through posts reflecting their emotional bond with the deceased. Blogger Tamim Al-Tamimi wrote that the Father Emir was the one who raised him in this world and taught him to stand firm and endure for the Palestinian cause, regarding him as a father and homeland to every Qatari.

Blogger Abdulrahman Al-Mulla pointed out that while men depart, great stances do not, and their legacies remain a beacon for generations, affirming that the late leader’s name would remain present through his devotion.

Blogger Nuff Al-Thani concluded this majestic scene with touching words bidding farewell to “Abu Meshal,” noting that while eyes weep and hearts grieve, their consolation is that great men do not depart from the memory of their homelands, and he will remain present in every achievement and every prayer.

Internationally, Arab presidents and officials hastened to offer condolences on the passing of Sheikh Hamad. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent messages of condolence and sympathy to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad regarding the death of his father, Sheikh Hamad.

In the same context, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a similar message to Sheikh Tamim, praising Sheikh Hamad’s prominent role in Qatar’s renaissance and prosperity.

UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed mourned the former Emir of Qatar, stating: “Sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to Sheikh Tamim and to the brotherly Qatari people on the passing of the late Sheikh Hamad. I ask God to have mercy on him, grant his soul eternal peace, and grant his family patience during this difficult time.”

Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq sent a message of condolence and sympathy to Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, regarding the death of his father, expressing “his sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to His Highness the Emir and all members of the brotherly Qatari people, praying to God Almighty to envelop the deceased in His vast mercy, grant him a spacious place in Paradise, and inspire them with beautiful patience and solace.”

For his part, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa mourned the late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, noting that he passed to the mercy of his Lord after a life full of giving and achievements in serving his people, the Arab and Islamic nations, and supporting their causes. The Royal Court stated: “May God have mercy on him; he was a wise leader who dedicated his life to serving his people, his nation, and humanity.”

Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates have declared a four-day official mourning period, with flags flown at half-mast, starting from yesterday, Sunday, in memory of the late Emir, Sheikh Hamad.

Al-Badawi affirmed that the deceased was one of the leaders who contributed sincerely and wisely to the renaissance of the State of Qatar and its comprehensive development and progress across various fields. He also played a prominent role in supporting the trajectory of joint Gulf cooperation and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood, solidarity, and integration among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, driven by his firm belief in the importance of GCC unity and consolidating the foundations of security, stability, and prosperity in the member states.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi expressed his sincere condolences and sympathies to the State of Qatar, its Emir, government, and people, upon the passing of the late Emir, wishing that God would continue to grant Qatar and its people security and stability.

Jordanian King Abdullah II offered his deepest condolences and most sincere expressions of sympathy to Sheikh Tamim and the Qatari people upon the death of Sheikh Hamad, praying to God Almighty to “pour upon him His mercy and pleasure and to protect the State of Qatar and its people.”

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas mourned “the great national and Arab leader, who devoted his life to the elevation of his country and people... and carried the burden of the Ummah and defended its causes, granting the Palestinian cause his greatest support and backing.”

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune also extended condolences to Qatar, describing the late Emir as “an Arab leader renowned for his wisdom and for all he contributed to Arab causes,” and affirming that he had “a special relationship with Algeria, which he loved and which reciprocated his noble feelings, as he forged strong ties with it through his blessed private visits, which we have long been accustomed to.”

Aoun stated that “Lebanon, as a state and people, remembers with appreciation and loyalty the sincere fraternal positions expressed by the great deceased towards it, especially during the Israeli aggression in July 2006, when Qatar, under his leadership, stood by Lebanon during one of its darkest periods and contributed to alleviating the suffering of its people.”

For his part, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said that Qatar is saying goodbye to “a father and a towering figure who loved and dedicated himself to the State of Qatar for the sake of its progress, stability, and the brilliance of its people.” He added, “In his passing, Lebanon and the Lebanese are the first to shed tears. We will always remember him as a friend and a balm for our wounds, a helping hand that unites and supports, and a steadfast voice and stance alongside Lebanon and the Lebanese in their peace, stability, unity, and renaissance, especially when standing firm is required.”

Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Elaraby extended his sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the Emir, government, and people of Qatar, recalling the late Emir’s historical contributions to the nation’s renaissance and his prominent role in supporting the trajectory of joint Arab action, enhancing Arab solidarity, and serving Arab and Islamic causes.

OIC Secretary-General Hussein Ibrahim Taher expressed his sincere condolences and sympathies, and praised in a statement “the efforts of the late Emir and his historical role in the renaissance and development of modern Qatar, as well as his steadfast positions in supporting joint Islamic action and enhancing solidarity among the Organization’s member states,” affirming that “the Arab and Islamic Ummahs have lost a wise leader who dedicated his life to serving his country and the causes of his nation.”

In his condolence message, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said: “I turn to God Almighty, praying for mercy for Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, with whom I worked on the international stage during my tenure as Prime Minister. He made significant contributions to bringing the political, commercial, military, humanitarian, and cultural relations between Turkey and Qatar to their current level, and I personally witnessed his sincere efforts for the peace of the Islamic world, the stability of our region, and the welfare of the Qatari people.”

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his sincere condolences, recalling the former Emir’s visionary leadership and his valuable contributions to the development of Qatar.

For his part, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that Sheikh Hamad’s leadership and his contributions to achieving regional peace would remain etched in memory, noting that he played a pivotal role during his reign in the prosperity of his country and in strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Qatar and Pakistan.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the founding Emir, describing him as a leader with keen foresight who guided Qatar to high levels of development and prosperity.

For his part, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that during his reign, Sheikh Hamad transformed Qatar into a country of distinguished global standing, achieving significant economic progress and emerging as an influential voice in regional and international affairs. He added, “The founding Emir was a loyal friend to Malaysia and a respected figure in the Islamic world.”

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said he received the news of Sheikh Hamad’s passing with deep sorrow, describing him as someone who “honored me with his friendship for many years.” He added that his leadership represented a crucial phase in Qatar’s development journey and contributed to enhancing its role and growing stature on the international stage.

The government of the Taliban in Afghanistan expressed its profound grief over the death of Sheikh Hamad, affirming its solidarity with Qatar in this loss.

Former Secretary-General of the Arab League, Amr Moussa, mourned former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, stating in a declaration, “I shared with the late Emir a long-standing relationship over many years, during which I came to know him as a leader with a clear vision, strong will, and the ability to foresee the future. He was keen on ensuring Qatar had an active and influential presence in its Arab and regional environment, as well as on the international stage.”

He added, “Prince Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa led an ambitious project that contributed to building a modern state, present in political, economic, diplomatic, cultural, and media affairs, and solidified its status as an influential player in regional issues and their international extensions. This achievement will remain an important part of his political and historical legacy.”

Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away yesterday at the age of 74, received widespread appreciation at both the regional and international levels, reflected in a series of high honors and decorations bestowed upon him by Arab and foreign countries in recognition of his role in strengthening bilateral relations, supporting efforts in dialogue, mediation, and international cooperation, and for the status Qatar attained during his reign on the international stage.

In 1995, he received the Hussein bin Ali Order from Jordan and the First Class Order of Oman from the Sultanate of Oman. In 1997, he was awarded the November 7 Order from Tunisia, followed by the Legion of Honor from France and the Order of the Lion from Senegal in 1998.

In 1999, the late Emir received the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany from Germany, and the Ordre National du Mérite from Romania. In 2000, he was awarded the Cedar Order with the Grand Cordon from Lebanon, the Order of the Grand Cross from Italy, and the Order of the Republic from Yemen.

Former Qatari Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani mourned former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, posting on X: “I only complain of my distress and grief to God. Today I mourn my Emir, my friend, and my companion on the journey, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, may God have mercy on him and grant him a vast paradise.”

Offering condolences to the late ruler’s family, led by the Emir of the State, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, bin Hamad added: “Our greatest consolation is that the banner of this nation remains in the hands of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who leads the country with wisdom and competence, and continues the path of construction and progress with full responsibility and dedication. He is our greatest comfort.”

He continued: “I cannot describe the depth of my grief, nor my pride in what this prince and leader contributed to his country, his nation, and the Arab and Islamic ummas. May God have mercy on him. He worked tirelessly, both publicly and privately, to elevate his homeland and serve his nation. Words fail to enumerate his achievements and his immense contributions. As we have always known, he will remain the builder and founder of modern Qatar. He left behind a magnificent legacy of dignity, pride, and accomplishment, consolidating Qatar’s standing among nations and laying the foundations for its progress, which brings pride and honor to every Qatari citizen.”

He concluded: “I affirm my pride and admiration for His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, may God protect him, and for what he has achieved since assuming the reins of power, as well as during his tenure as Crown Prince. He has proven to be the best successor to the best of predecessors. We are proud of his sincere efforts to ensure our nation’s security, stability, and prosperity, and of the wisdom, precision, and responsibility he demonstrates in addressing various challenges. May God prolong his life and make him a blessing to the country.”

Former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, who passed away yesterday at the age of 74, received his education at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, graduating in July 1971.

After graduation, he joined the Qatari Armed Forces and was appointed commander of the First Mobile Battalion, which later became known as the “Hamad Mobile Battalion.” He was subsequently promoted to the rank of Major General and appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Qatari Armed Forces, becoming the first Qatari to hold this position.

The late ruler played a pivotal role in developing the Qatari Armed Forces, increasing their personnel numbers, establishing new units, and equipping them with the latest weapons. He also placed great emphasis on training officers and personnel in advanced military methods.

Through his position, he invested his military knowledge in enhancing the capabilities and efficiency of the armed forces. He established the Navy, the Amir’s Air Force, and created units for Commandos, Engineering, Military Police, Special Forces, Border Guard, and Command Defense. When he was appointed Crown Prince on May 31, 1977, Sheikh Hamad was also named Minister of Defense.