Qatar officially announced on Sunday the death of its former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. In a statement from the Emiri Diwan, it said, "With hearts believing in God's decree and destiny, the Emiri Diwan announces the great loss of the nation, the passing of Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who has gone to God's mercy, today, Sunday morning, 27 Muharram 1448 AH, corresponding to July 12, 2026, at the age of 74."
The statement continued: "May God treat the great loss of the nation with His vast mercy, place him in the spacious gardens of His paradise alongside the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous, grant him the best reward for the great and lasting services he rendered to his nation, the Arab and Islamic Ummah, and grant us all patience and fortitude."
Funeral ceremony and burial
According to a second statement from the Diwan, funeral prayers will be held after the evening prayer on Sunday at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque in Doha. The body will then be buried at Lusail Cemetery.
Condolence reception
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will receive condolences from national leaders, members of the ruling family, dignitaries, and citizens at Lusail Palace on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The condolence reception will take place in the morning from 08:00 to 11:30 local time, and in the evening from the afternoon prayer until the night prayer.
Mourning and public holiday
A four-day general mourning was declared in the country starting Sunday. Flags were lowered to half-mast at all public institutions and establishments. Additionally, work at ministries, government offices, and public institutions will be suspended starting Monday, July 13. Employees will return to their duties on Sunday, July 19.
Sheikh Hamad's reign
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani assumed power in 1995 and handed over the reins to his son, then-Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on June 25, 2013. During this period, Qatar underwent significant transformations in the energy and foreign policy sectors.
