Qatar Holds Funeral Prayers for Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in Doha

Qatar held funeral prayers in Doha for former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away early Sunday at the age of 74, with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad leading the service for his father at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque.

“Toggle Play Thousands gather to bid farewell to Qatar's Father Emir Sheikh Hamad Thousands gathered in Doha to bid farewell to Qatar’s Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, whose 18 years as emir reshaped Qatar into a global diplomatic, economic and media power”

Al Jazeera

A live broadcast of the funeral service by Qatari state television showed large crowds gathering at the mosque for the procession as the emir carried the coffin of his father inside the mosque.

Al Jazeera

The former emir was laid to rest in the Lusail Cemetery in Doha, and Qatar announced four days of national mourning over his death.

The Emiri Diwan said 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.

The Anadolu Ajansı report also said Sheikh Hamad assumed power in 1995 and handed over the reins of authority to his then Crown Prince, Sheikh Tamim on June 25, 2013.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed condolences over the passing of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in an Arabic-language post on his X account on Sunday.

Araghchi conveyed heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Al Thani family, and Qatar, and prayed for God Almighty to grant mercy and forgiveness to the deceased and patience to the bereaved.

Anadolu Ajansı

Bahrain declared four days of official mourning after the death of Qatar's Father Amir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, with flags to fly at half-mast across the Kingdom throughout the period.

Bahrain’s Royal Court described the late Father Amir as a wise leader who devoted his life to serving his people, nation and humanity, and it extended particular sympathy to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The News of Bahrain report said Shura Council President His Excellency Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh cabled his counterpart in Qatar, Council President His Excellency Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, praising the late Amir’s lasting national legacy.

Qatar’s Amiri Diwan announced the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, saying, “With hearts steadfast in faith in God’s decree and destiny, the Amiri Diwan mourns the great loss to the nation of the late — may God have mercy on him — His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away this morning,” in a statement carried by National Herald.

“Qatar bids farewell to former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Sheikh Hamad buried in Lusail Cemetery in Doha Hussien Elkabany and Rania Abushamala 12 July 2026•Update: 12 July 2026 ISTANBUL Qatar held funeral prayers in Doha for former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away early Sunday at the age of 74”

Anadolu Ajansı

The National Herald said Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 and was remembered as the leader who steered the small Gulf nation through a transformation era, including the launch of Al Jazeera in 1996 and the introduction of Qatar’s first permanent constitution in 2004.

Al Jazeera reported that thousands gathered in Doha to bid farewell to Qatar’s Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, whose 18 years as emir reshaped Qatar into a global diplomatic, economic and media power.

The Al Jazeera segment also framed the funeral as a public moment, with the report describing the gathering in Doha to bid farewell to the former emir.

In Bahrain’s mourning coverage, the Royal Court statement also said Qatar’s Amir leads the nation in farewell prayers at the Mosque of Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahab.