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Condolences Across Qatar
Prime Minister Gaston Browne said he was expressing condolences to the Government and people of Qatar after the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir of the State of Qatar, and he led a regional tribute on behalf of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
In a letter to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, Browne wrote, “On behalf of the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda, and on my own behalf, I extend our deepest condolences to Your Highness,”.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam traveled to Doha, Qatar, leading a special delegation to extend condolences after the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, described as Qatar’s beloved Father Amir.
The Lebanese delegation included Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri, Finance Minister Yassine Jaber, and Justice Minister Adel Nassar, and it was welcomed at Doha airport by Qatar’s Minister of Transport, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani.
Lebanon also entered an official mourning period, lowering national flags at Baabda Palace and various government institutions, with the mourning set to continue through Wednesday.
World Leaders’ Messages
World leaders paid tribute to former leader Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, with UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conveying condolences to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the people of Qatar.
Erdogan said he received the news of Sheikh Hamad's passing “with profound sorrow”, describing him as “my dear friend”.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi described the death as “a great loss,” extending condolences to Qatar’s leadership and people while praying for continued security and stability.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II expressed sympathies to the Qatari leadership and people, and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari praised Sheikh Hamad’s “leadership, vision and invaluable contributions”.
The tributes also included messages from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said he remembered Sheikh Hamad as “a true friend” he met during his last visit to Qatar in February 2024.
Mourning and Legacy
Somalia declared three days of official mourning for the death of the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, with the Somali Ministry of Information citing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s decision as reflecting appreciation for the late emir’s high standing.
“Toggle Play World pays tribute to Qatar's Father Emir From Gaza to India, this is how the world paid tribute to Qatar’s Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani”
The ministry said the decision reflects “the depth and strength of the fraternal and historical ties that bind Somalia and Qatar and their two peoples.”
It also described Sheikh Hamad as among the most prominent supporters of Somalia at various stages, and said his passing represents “a great loss to the Arab and Muslim worlds.”
The same account states Sheikh Hamad was born in Doha in January 1952, joined the Sandhurst Military Academy in Britain and graduated there in 1971, and was appointed Heir Apparent and Minister of Defense in 1977.
It further says he assumed power on 27 June 1995 and that he handed over the reins of government to his heir apparent, Sheikh Tamim bin Khalifa Al Thani, on 25 June 2013, before his death on 12 July 2026 at the age of 74.
