Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani: World Leaders Arrive in Doha as Qatar Mourns Its Father Amir
Qatar is in mourning. His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir of Qatar, passed away on the morning of Sunday July 12, 2026. He was 74 years old, born January 1, 1952, and had served as Qatar’s Emir from 1995 until his historic voluntary abdication in 2013, when he handed power to his son, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
In the hours that followed his passing, the Amiri Diwan announced the funeral arrangements, a four-day national mourning period, and the suspension of government work. World leaders began arriving in Doha throughout the day to offer their condolences in person, a reflection of the deep respect Sheikh Hamad commanded across the globe.
Funeral Prayer and Burial
The funeral prayer for His Highness the Father Amir was held after Maghrib prayer on Sunday July 12, 2026, at the Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque in Doha. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani performed the funeral prayer and led the ceremony.
Following the prayer, the burial took place at Lusail Cemetery, where His Highness the Amir participated in the funeral ceremony alongside members of the ruling family and dignitaries.
National Mourning Period: Official Details
The Amiri Diwan declared the following:
A four-day national mourning period across the entire State of Qatar, beginning Sunday July 12, 2026.
Work in all ministries and government agencies, bodies and public institutions is suspended starting Monday July 13, 2026. Government employees return to work on Sunday July 19, 2026.
Flags are to be flown at half-mast throughout the country for the duration of the mourning period.
Condolences at Lusail Palace
His Highness the Crown Prince will receive condolences from leaders of states, the ruling family, dignitaries and citizens at Lusail Palace on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, corresponding to July 13, 14 and 15, 2026, during the morning period.
World Leaders Arriving in Doha
The scale of international response has been immediate and significant. Leaders from across the Arab world, Africa and Asia arrived in Doha throughout July 12 to offer their condolences in person. Among those confirmed:
King of Bahrain, HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, met with His Highness the Amir at Lusail Palace. The Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain also arrived separately.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan arrived in Doha to pay his respects.
The Lebanese Prime Minister travelled to Doha and met with His Highness the Amir.
The President of Rwanda arrived in Doha and met with His Highness the Amir.
The President of the Maldives arrived to offer condolences.
The Prime Minister of Libya’s Government of National Unity arrived in Doha.
The Crown Prince of Kuwait arrived in Doha.
The UAE Deputy Prime Minister arrived in Doha.
Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs arrived and met with His Highness the Amir.
The President of Kazakhstan met with His Highness the Amir at Lusail Palace.
The Ethiopian Prime Minister arrived in Doha and met with His Highness the Amir.
The Head of Government of Morocco, Aziz Akhannouch, arrived and met with His Highness.
The Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province arrived, alongside a Saudi high-level delegation.
The Crown Prince of Ajman met with His Highness the Amir at Lusail Palace.
The Iraqi President arrived in Doha to offer condolences.
World leaders continue arriving in Doha as the mourning period continues.
Who Was Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani served as the Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013. Under his leadership, Qatar was transformed from a small Gulf state into one of the most recognised and influential nations on the world stage. He oversaw the development of Qatar’s LNG industry into a global energy powerhouse, the founding of Al Jazeera Media Network, Qatar’s successful bid for the FIFA World Cup 2022, and the country’s emergence as a respected diplomatic voice capable of mediating between international parties.
In 2013, in a move that was historic across the Arab world, he voluntarily transferred power to his son Sheikh Tamim, stepping back to take the title of Father Amir. His passing marks the end of an era for Qatar and for the wider region.
May Allah have mercy on his soul.
Source: Amiri Diwan of Qatar, Qatar News Agency (QNA). This article will be updated as further developments are confirmed.
