Qatar’s Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Dies at 74

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published July 12, 2026

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Qatar’s Amiri Diwan announced on Sunday, July 12, 2026, the death of Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the country’s former ruler and the father of the current Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He was 74.

The Amiri Diwan said Sheikh Hamad died on Sunday morning but did not disclose the cause of death. Qatar declared four days of public mourning, ordered flags to be lowered, and suspended work across government institutions during the mourning period.

Funeral prayers were scheduled to take place after sunset prayers at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque in Doha, followed by burial at Lusail Cemetery. Sheikh Tamim is also expected to receive foreign leaders, members of the ruling family, dignitaries and citizens at Lusail Palace from July 13 to 15.

Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until June 2013, when he voluntarily transferred power to his son. His reign was marked by a major expansion of Qatar’s liquefied natural gas industry and the growth of the country’s international investments and diplomatic influence.

His era also saw the establishment of Qatar Foundation, the launch of Al Jazeera in 1996, the adoption of the country’s permanent constitution and Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Sheikh Hamad’s foreign policy helped position Qatar as an influential mediator and international investor, although some of his regional policies and relationships also generated controversy and tensions with neighbouring and Western governments. His death marks the passing of a leader closely associated with Qatar’s emergence as a major global energy, media, investment and diplomatic centre.