The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, received mourners at Lusail Palace on Monday following the death of his father, Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, according to the Amiri Diwan. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar, passed away on Sunday at the age of 74. General mourning was declared across the country for four days, with flags flown at half-mast. The Amiri Diwan stated, "The Emir of Qatar, on Monday, received crowds of mourners for the death of the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, at Lusail Palace." Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani "received sheikhs, ministers, dignitaries, citizens, and members of the accredited diplomatic corps, who expressed their sincere condolences and sympathy for the passing of the nation's great loss, praying to God Almighty to have mercy on him and grant him paradise."
Mourning Sessions Begin
The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on Monday received mourners at Lusail Palace following the death of Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The Amiri Diwan stated, "The Emir of Qatar, on Monday, received crowds of mourners for the death of the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, at Lusail Palace." Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received sheikhs, ministers, dignitaries, citizens, and members of the accredited diplomatic corps, who expressed their sincere condolences and sympathy, praying for mercy for the deceased.
The Amiri Diwan announced that the Emir would continue to receive mourners, including heads of state, members of the ruling family, dignitaries, and citizens, at Lusail Palace for three days. These mourning sessions are scheduled from Monday, July 13, to Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Daily timing for these sessions is from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and again from after Asr prayer until Isha prayer.
International Condolences
International dignitaries also arrived in Qatar to express their sympathies. Among those received by the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, were the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. They extended their condolences at Lusail Palace following the passing of Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Further international leaders attended the mourning sessions. Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Lebanese Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam were present to offer their condolences to the Emir and the Qatari people. These officials joined other regional and international figures in paying respects during the period of national mourning.
Father Emir's Legacy
Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is widely credited with overseeing a period of significant transformation in Qatar during his reign. His leadership saw the nation emerge as a key player in global energy markets and a prominent mediator in international diplomacy. He initiated extensive reforms across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, which profoundly shaped modern Qatar. His vision also led to the establishment of major institutions, contributing to the country's economic diversification and cultural enrichment. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani's tenure is often noted for its emphasis on advancing Qatar's global standing and fostering its national identity.
National Mourning Period
Qatar began a period of national mourning following the death of Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The Amiri Diwan announced a four-day mourning period across the country, during which flags were flown at half-mast as a mark of respect. The Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, is scheduled to receive mourners, including heads of state, members of the ruling family, dignitaries, and citizens, at Lusail Palace for three days. These sessions are set from Monday, July 13, to Wednesday, July 15, 2026, with specific daily timings. This declaration shows the nation's collective grief for the former leader.
