Qatar holds funeral for former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

Qatar held funeral prayers on Sunday for its former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who died earlier in the day at the age of 74. The ceremony took place at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque, the largest mosque in the capital Doha, with thousands in attendance.

Funeral Rites and Burial

Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani led the funeral prayers for his father in a solemn ceremony broadcast live on state television. Large crowds gathered at the mosque as the current emir carried the coffin of the former ruler inside. Sheikh Hamad was later laid to rest at the Lusail Cemetery in Doha, marking the end of a transformative era for the Gulf nation.

National Mourning Declared

The Qatari government announced four days of national mourning across the country in honor of the late emir. Flags will be flown at half-mast during this period. The Amiri Diwan stated that Sheikh Tamim will receive mourners at Lusail Palace from Monday through Wednesday, including heads of state, members of the ruling family, and dignitaries.

A Legacy of Transformation

Sheikh Hamad, who ruled from 1995 until his voluntary abdication in 2013, is widely credited with modernizing Qatar and transforming it into a global energy and diplomatic powerhouse. He was the architect behind Qatar's vast liquefied natural gas industry and the launch of the Al Jazeera media network. He also secured Qatar's successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a milestone that redefined Doha's global standing.