World Leaders Pay Tribute to Qatar's Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

Qatar continued to receive condolences from world leaders on Tuesday following the passing of the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani on Sunday at the age of 74. Amir Sheikh Tamim welcomed a wave of foreign dignitaries at Lusail Palace during the second day of national mourning, which Qatar declared for four days beginning Sunday. The reception of condolences at Lusail Palace is scheduled to continue until Wednesday, providing an extended period for international figures to pay their respects to the late leader and his family. The widespread attendance shows the significant impact Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani had on both regional and global affairs.

Day of Mourning and Dignitary Visits

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was among a host of international leaders who paid their respects at Lusail Palace on Tuesday. His visit noted the strong diplomatic ties between Qatar and Egypt. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also visited the palace to offer condolences, reflecting the close relationship between the two nations. Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani conveyed his sympathies in person, emphasizing the solidarity among Arab and African states. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also attended, representing European leaders offering their respects to the Qatari leadership.

Jordan’s Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II joined the dignitaries extending their condolences, signifying the enduring familial and diplomatic bonds within the Arab world. Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was also present at Lusail Palace, acknowledging the Father Amir's influence across diverse regions. Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid his respects, alongside Armenia’s President Vahagn Khachaturyan, further illustrating the broad international reach of the condolences. Their presence showed the global recognition of Sheikh Hamad's legacy.

Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan offered his condolences during a visit to Lusail Palace, representing his nation's respect for the late leader. Libya’s Presidential Council Chairman Mohamed al-Menfi also extended his sympathies, reinforcing the regional expressions of grief. Regional organizations were prominently represented, with GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi paying his respects, noting the solidarity among Gulf states. Arab League Secretary-General Nabil El Araby was also among the officials visiting Lusail Palace to convey their condolences, reflecting the Father Amir's standing within the wider Arab community.

Previous Day's Condolences

Condolences were also extended on Monday by a range of international leaders, marking the first full day of official mourning and diplomatic visits. Rwandan President Paul Kagame paid his respects, as did Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also offered his sympathies, acknowledging the Father Amir's contributions to international relations. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu was present to convey his condolences, along with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid. Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also paid his respects, emphasizing the cross-regional impact of Sheikh Hamad's passing. Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed were among those who offered condolences on Monday, showcasing the diverse array of nations mourning the loss.

Regional leaders from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states also arrived to express their sympathies. Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa offered his condolences, accompanied by Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah also extended his sympathies, showing the deep fraternal ties within the GCC. Additionally, UAE Crown Prince of Ajman Sheikh Ammar bin Hamid Al Nuaimi attended the condolence gathering on Monday. Libya’s Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah paid his respects on Monday, further affirming the regional outpouring of grief. These visits showed the regional and international outpouring of grief following the passing of the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, acknowledging his key role in shaping modern Qatar and its standing on the global stage.

Father Amir's Legacy and Reign

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ruled from 1995 until he voluntarily handed power to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in 2013. During his 18-year reign, Qatar emerged as the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, a strategic economic achievement that dramatically transformed the nation's wealth and influence. The country also secured the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup during the same period, a landmark event that put Qatar firmly in the international spotlight. Sheikh Hamad is widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar, initiating significant developments that reshaped the nation's economic and international standing. His tenure oversaw substantial growth and a strategic pivot towards increased global engagement, laying the groundwork for Qatar's current prosperity and diplomatic prominence.

Funeral Rites and Return to Work

Funeral prayers for the Father Amir were conducted on Sunday evening at Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque, a solemn occasion attended by family members, dignitaries, and citizens. Following the prayers, his interment took place at Lusail Cemetery, where he was laid to rest. On Sunday, US President Donald Trump called Sheikh Tamim to express condolences, reflecting the diplomatic importance of Qatar on the international stage. Employees are scheduled to return to work on Sunday, July 19, marking the conclusion of the national mourning period. On Monday, Comoros President Osman Ghazali paid his respects at Lusail Palace. UAE Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said also attended. Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province Governor Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch further offered condolences, noting the widespread respect for the late Father Amir.