Leaders from around the globe have come to Qatar to express their sympathies following the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir. Sheikh Hamad, who held the emirate from 1995 until 2013, is credited with transforming modern Qatar. He died at the age of 74.
International Leaders Pay Their Respects
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who succeeded his father as the emir of Qatar, has been welcoming an array of dignitaries, ambassadors, and members of the public at Lusail Palace since Monday. This ongoing tribute signifies the regional and international respect garnered by Sheikh Hamad during his reign.
The Amiri Diwan, Qatar’s foremost government body, has reported numerous notable visits. On Monday, Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa expressed his condolences to Sheikh Tamim. Following this, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi visited on Tuesday morning to pay his respects. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also arrived in Doha on Tuesday for the same purpose, indicating Turkey’s strong ties with Qatar.
Leaders from various Middle Eastern nations have also extended their condolences. Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah offered his condolences on Monday morning, while Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa both visited over the same period.
Condolences from Throughout the Region
Notable sympathy was also extended from Iraq, with President Nizar Amidi visiting on Monday night. The Kurdish region of Iraq was represented by President Nechirvan Barzani, who paid his respects that same evening. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia also sent representatives. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia both called to express their condolences on Monday.
In addition, Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, paid a visit on Monday evening. Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and Libya’s interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah also offered their condolences at Lusail Palace on Monday.
Tributes from Global Leaders
European leaders have joined the chorus of condolences. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offered her sympathy on Tuesday, while the United Kingdom’s Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, arrived in Doha on Wednesday to honor Sheikh Hamad’s legacy. The Vice President of the Swiss Confederation, Ignazio Cassis, also paid his respects alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino at Lusail Palace on Tuesday.
Numerous African presidents also sent messages of condolence. Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani offered his respects on Tuesday morning, and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame was among the first to visit on Monday. In Asia, leaders such as Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and India’s Kiren Rijiju have also extended condolences, highlighting the global impact of Sheikh Hamad’s policies.
The Legacy of Sheikh Hamad
The extensive array of condolences and the presence of dignitaries from various nations encapsulate Sheikh Hamad’s significant influence. His tenure marked a period of rapid modernization and development for Qatar, and his legacy continues to resonate both regionally and internationally. As the world reflects on his contributions, it is clear that the Father Emir will be remembered as a pivotal figure in Qatari history.