Former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has passed away at the age of 74. This has been mentioned by the Amiri Diwan of Qatar, followed by several reputed media outlets. The media office, as a result, on Sunday, July 12th, declared a four-day period of public mourning in Qatar. This was for the late HH, the father of Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Former Emir Of Qatar Passes Away At 74
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World Leaders Offer Condolences to Qatar Over the Death of the Father Amir#QNA #Qatarhttps://t.co/F1NODjxq28 pic.twitter.com/p5GafKnsw7— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) July 12, 2026
The former Emir of Qatar has passed away at the age of 74, and as a result, a four-day period of public mourning has been declared in Qatar. This means government ministries, public institutions, and agencies will suspend work from Monday, July 13th. Employees will return on Sunday, July 19th, and flags across the country will be flown at half-mast during the period.
Qatar Declares National Mourning
Not just Qatar, but the UAE also announced a four-day official mourning period. The UAE presidential court declared this after the news was received, and it also mentioned how flags will be flown at half-mast at all government entities across the UAE. This also includes the country’s embassies and diplomatic missions abroad until July 15th, Wednesday. This announcement was made after a series of condolences were issued by the UAE leaders. After the tragic news was received. Kuwait has also announced a four-day mourning period along with other Arab states, such as Jordan.
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He Transformed Qatar Into A Major Global Player
Talking about the former Emir of Qatar, he is remembered as someone who transformed the Gulf nation into a major global player when it comes to energy, diplomacy, international investment, and media. He ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013, and oversaw one of the most remarkable periods of growth in the country. As mentioned by the Gulf News, during his 18 years in power, Qatar emerged as one of the world’s wealthiest nations per capita. Not to mention, the nation capitalised on its natural gas reserves by becoming a leading exporter of liquefied natural gas in the world.
With the death marking the passing of a great leader, several Arab states have declared mourning periods. After all, he is known as someone who left a lasting imprint in the Gulf region.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/QNAEnglish
FAQs
Who was Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani?
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was the former Emir of Qatar, who ruled from 1995 until 2013.
Until when will Qatar observe the morning period?
Qatar is observing a four-day morning period from July 12th onwards. This means that government officials will not be reporting to government ministries, public institutions and agencies from July 13th onwards. They will return to work on July 19th, Sunday.