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Qatar declares 4 days of national mourning after passing of former Emir

AFP
By AFP
July 13, 2026 10:42 AM GMT+03:00

Qatar's former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died on Sunday, July 12, in the morning at the age of 74. 

The Amiri Diwan announced his death in a statement on X. "May God grant him His mercy and forgiveness," it added.

AFP
By AFP

Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad led the funeral prayers for his father at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque, the capital's main mosque. 

The funeral was broadcast on Qatari state television, showing the crowds who attended.

AFP
By AFP

Qatar announced four days of national mourning over the former emir’s death. A statement by the Emiri Diwan said Emir Sheikh Tamim will receive mourners from heads of state, members of the ruling family, dignitaries, and citizens at Lusail Palace from Monday, July 13, to Wednesday, July 15.

Anadolu Agency
By Anadolu Agency

After his death was announced, his photo was displayed on LED screens in the malls and all around the capital, Doha. 

Flags were flown at half-mast nationwide as a sign of mourning.

Anadolu Agency
By Anadolu Agency

Al Mana Tower in Doha displays a portrait of Qatar's late former Emir on its facade. 

Meanwhile, many world leaders have expressed their condolences following his death.

AFP
By AFP

Thousands of people attended the former leader's funeral, gathering to pay their final respects before his body was laid to rest.

AFP
By AFP

During his 18-year reign, according to the diwan, Sheikh Hamad guided Qatar through a transformative era, implementing broad economic, social, and cultural reforms that elevated the country's standing both regionally and globally.

AFP
By AFP

Sheikh Hamad assumed power in 1995, overthrowing his father in a bloodless coup while his father was abroad and handed over the reins of authority to his then Crown Prince, Sheikh Tamim, on June 25, 2013.