Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74

The Amiri Diwan announced the death of Qatar's former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani on Sunday at the age of 74.

• The Amiri Diwan announced that Sheikh Hamad died on Sunday, July 12, 2026, and offered condolences to the nation.
• Funeral prayers will be held on Sunday evening, followed by several days of public mourning with flags at half-mast across Qatar.
• King Charles and Queen Camilla paid tribute, stating that Sheikh Hamad dedicated many years of distinguished service to Qatar.
• India declared a day of national mourning and cancelled all entertainment events during the period.

Latest developments

Following the announcement of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani's passing, his son, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, received condolences at the Lusail Palace. World leaders including Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam traveled to Doha to pay their respects. The funeral procession for the late former emir took place shortly after the prayers.

• Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani founded the Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar's National Library, and the Al Jazeera media network.
• During his reign, he transformed Qatar into the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas and established a sovereign wealth fund.
• Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has offered condolences and praised Sheikh Hamad's role in building modern Qatar and supporting the Palestinian cause.
• Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has traveled to Doha on Tuesday to personally offer condolences, underscoring bilateral ties.