Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani's death prompts global condolences and diplomatic visits

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar’s former emir who ruled from 1995 to 2013, died on 12 July 2026 at the age of 74. His passing was announced by the Qatari Amiri Diwan, and the state declared a four‑day period of national mourning. The Lusail Palace in Doha became the focal point for a wave of diplomatic visits. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan travelled to Doha and returned to Ankara after a brief condolence mission. Iran’s foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif paid respects, underscoring Tehran’s strategic ties with Qatar. Indonesia’s foreign minister Sugiono and President Prabowo Subianto visited the Qatari embassy and signed a book of condolences, highlighting the long‑standing bilateral partnership. India’s minister Kiren Rijiju and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sympathy, with India observing a day of national mourning. The FIFA president Gianni Infantino attended the funeral, interrupting his World Cup 2026 duties. Leaders from across the Middle East, Europe and other regions also gathered at Lusail Palace, reflecting the former emir’s influence on Qatar’s rise as a global diplomatic and economic player.