DOHA: Former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at the age of 74, the country’s Emiri Diwan, the official royal court, announced on Sunday.
“With hearts steadfast in faith in God’s decree and destiny, the Bureau of the Emir mourns the great loss to the nation of the late — may God have mercy on him — His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,” a statement issued by the emir’s office said.
بيان من الديوان الأميري: بقلوب مؤمنة بقضاء الله وقدره، ينعى الديوان الأميري، فقيد الوطن الكبير المغفور له بإذن الله صاحب السمو الأمير الوالد الشيخ حمد بن خليفة آل ثاني، الذي وافته المنية صباح اليوم 27 محرم 1448 الموافق 12 يوليو 2026، عن عمر ناهز 74 عامًا. https://t.co/tXWvru50tA
— الديوان الأميري (@AmiriDiwan) July 12, 2026
Sheikh Hamad, who stepped down in June 2013 after serving as emir for 18 years, was widely regarded as the architect of Qatar’s remarkable transformation into a major regional and global player within a single generation.
A graduate of Britain’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Sheikh Hamad served as commander of Qatar’s armed forces and later as defence minister. Appointed crown prince in the late 1970s, he gradually assumed broader responsibilities, including overseeing the development of the country’s vast oil and natural gas resources.
Under his leadership, Qatar underwent rapid modernisation, evolving into a prosperous, globally connected state with an increasingly prominent role in regional and international affairs.
Sheikh Hamad spearheaded Qatar’s ambitious liquefied natural gas (LNG) development strategy, enabling the country to commercialise its vast natural gas reserves and supply global markets. His vision transformed Qatar into one of the world’s largest LNG exporters and laid the foundation for the nation’s extraordinary economic prosperity and global influence.
Condolences pour in over passing of former Qatari Emir
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud offered his condolences to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, on the passing of his father, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of the State of Qatar.
“We received with profound sorrow the news of the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of the State of Qatar, may God have mercy on him. He gave so much to his homeland and its people. As we extend to Your Highness, your family, and the brotherly people of the State of Qatar our deepest condolences and sincere sympathies, we pray to Almighty God to envelop him in His vast mercy and forgiveness, grant him a place in His spacious Paradise, inspire you with patience and comfort, and protect you from all harm. Indeed, to God we belong and to Him we shall return,” said his statement.
#خادم_الحرمين_الشريفين وسمو #ولي_العهد يعزيان أمير دولة قطر في وفاة صاحب السمو الشيخ حمد بن خليفة آل ثاني أمير دولة قطر السابق. pic.twitter.com/lcJjIVOsl9
— وزارة الخارجية 🇸🇦 (@KSAMOFA) July 12, 2026
Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent his condolences and sympathy to the Al Thani family. In his cable, the Crown Prince said that Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani had played a significant role in Qatar’s development and prosperity.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the late amir’s family, praying that Allah Almighty grant the deceased mercy and forgiveness and reward him for his service to his country and people.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed profound sorrow over the death of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
In separate statements, the two leaders conveyed their heartfelt condolences to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the government, and the people of Qatar during this time of mourning.
Deeply saddened by the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Former Amir of the State of Qatar.
The Father Amir, late Sheikh Hamad was a great leader and statesman whose wisdom, foresight and dedication to public service, transformed Qatar into a…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 12, 2026
They paid tribute to the late Sheikh Hamad’s visionary leadership, praising his pivotal role in Qatar’s remarkable progress and development, as well as his significant contributions to promoting regional peace, stability, and cooperation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, in his statement, said that during his reign, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, played a pivotal role in Qatar’s modern development and in strengthening the bonds of friendship with Pakistan.
Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, former Emir of the State of Qatar.
During his reign, he played a pivotal role in Qatar’s modern development and in strengthening the bonds of friendship with Pakistan. His visionary…
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) July 12, 2026
“On behalf of the people, Government of Pakistan and myself, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Al Thani family, the Emir, the Government and the people of Qatar. May Allah Almighty grant the departed soul the highest place in Jannah and give the bereaved family strength to bear this loss. Ameen,” he said.
Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday offered his condolences on the death of Qatar’s former emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, at the age of 74.
In a message shared on his NSosyal account, Erdogan described Sheikh Hamad as “a close friend” and highlighted his role in strengthening ties between Türkiye and Qatar.
Erdogan said he had worked alongside the former emir on the international stage during his years as prime minister and had personally witnessed his efforts to promote stability in the region, peace in the Islamic world and prosperity for the Qatari people.
UAE leaders also offered condolences to Qatar’s Emir on the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in a message posted on X, conveyed his sympathy to Sheikh Tamim and the Al Thani family, praying for God’s mercy and comfort during their bereavement.
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.
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) July 12, 2026
Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also offered his sympathies, to Emir of Qatar.
