Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 and was credited with modernising the country, died on Thursday, July 10th, 2026, at the age of 74.

In the days following his death, thousands gathered to bid farewell to the former emir, remembered as "a man of vision and courage." His son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who succeeded him as Qatar’s emir, has been receiving dignitaries, ambassadors, and mourners at the Lusail Palace starting Monday, July 13th, 2026.

According to Qatar’s Amiri Diwan, President Ahmed al-Sharaa offered his condolences on Monday, expressing sorrow over the passing of the "forgiven, by Allah’s will, His Highness The Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani."

Sheikh Tamim also received a phone call from Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Monday, who prayed for the late emir’s mercy and place in paradise.

Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said personally offered his condolences at Lusail Palace on Monday evening.

From India, Kiren Rijiju, minister of parliamentary affairs and minority affairs, is expected to visit Qatar on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026, to convey condolences on behalf of the Indian government, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

These visits reflect the wide respect and recognition Sheikh Hamad garnered internationally during and after his reign.

Sources