Qatar Mourns Passing of Visionary Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani at 74

The Amiri Diwan has announced the demise of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar’s former Emir, at the age of 74. Sheikh Hamad, often referred to as the Father Emir, was instrumental in shaping the energy-rich Gulf nation during his rule from 1995 to 2013.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Amiri Diwan expressed profound sorrow, stating, “With hearts steadfast in faith in God’s decree and destiny, the Amiri Diwan mourns the great loss to the nation of the late – may God have mercy on him – His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away this morning.”

In response to this significant loss, Qatar has declared a four-day period of public mourning, commencing on Monday. During this time, government agencies and public bodies will suspend operations, and national flags will be lowered to half-mast.

Sheikh Hamad's leadership was marked by significant economic, social, and cultural advancements that substantially elevated Qatar's standing on the global stage. Under his guidance, the nation saw extensive economic investments and forged numerous international partnerships, solidifying its position as the world's leading exporter of liquefied natural gas. Today, Qatar's geopolitical influence extends across various regions, including North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

His tenure also saw Qatar host the 2022 men’s FIFA World Cup, a globally celebrated football event, where he received a warm reception from fans during the opening ceremony. A pivotal moment during his reign was the establishment of the Al Jazeera News Channel in 1996, which rapidly evolved into one of the most influential media networks worldwide. Furthermore, Sheikh Hamad oversaw the enactment of Qatar’s first permanent constitution in 2004 and the introduction of municipal elections, which notably granted women the right to vote and run as candidates.

In 2013, in a rare act for a hereditary Gulf Arab ruler, Sheikh Hamad voluntarily relinquished power to his son and designated heir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who was 33 years old at the time.

Abdulla Banndar el Etaibi, an Assistant Professor in International Affairs at Qatar University, lauded Sheikh Hamad’s legacy, telling Al Jazeera that he transformed Qatar into an “extraordinary country.” Etaibi remarked, “We’re talking about someone who left a legacy all over the world, not only on Qatar. He worked really hard to turn Qatar from a normal country into a prominent and extraordinary country. He had so many dreams of so many things. He invested a lot in LNG. This helped Qatar develop even more.”

Condolences have poured in from various world leaders. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi conveyed his “Deepest condolences and sympathies to the sisterly State of Qatar, to its Amir, government, and people, on the passing of the late, by God’s permission, His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani” via X. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari expressed “deep grief” over the former Emir's death, extending “heartfelt condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Government and the brotherly people of Qatar on this sad occasion.” Zardari’s office also acknowledged Sheikh Hamad’s “visionary leadership and his valuable contributions to the progress and development of Qatar, as well as to regional peace and cooperation.” Similarly, United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan offered his sympathies, writing on X, “I extend my sincere condolences and sympathy to my brother @TamimBinHamad and his family on the passing of his father, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. May God grant him mercy, rest his soul in eternal peace, and bring comfort to his family during this difficult time.”