The Father Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, passed away at the age of 74 on Sunday, the Amiri Diwan announced. In a statement, the Diwan said, "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."
Qatar declared a four-day period of public mourning starting Monday, with government agencies and public bodies suspending work and flags lowered to half-mast.
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 and was a key architect of the energy-rich country's transformation. Under his leadership, Qatar experienced significant economic, social, and cultural development, boosting its international standing. He oversaw massive investments and forged global partnerships, making Qatar the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas.
His reign saw the launch of Al Jazeera News Channel in 1996, which became a major global media network. He also introduced Qatar's first permanent constitution in 2004 and municipal elections where women could vote and run as candidates.
In 2022, Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup, a milestone that drew global attention. Sheikh Hamad received a rapturous ovation during the opening match.
In 2013, he abdicated in favor of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, then 33, a rare move among Gulf Arab rulers.
Abdulla Banndar el Etaibi, an assistant professor at Qatar University, said Sheikh Hamad turned Qatar into an "extraordinary country." He told Al Jazeera, "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. He invested a lot in LNG. This helped Qatar develop even more."
World leaders offered condolences. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi wrote on X, "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." Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari expressed "deep grief" and praised Sheikh Hamad's "visionary leadership and his valuable contributions to the progress and development of Qatar, as well as to regional peace and cooperation." UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also offered sympathies, writing, "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."