Qatar has bid a solemn farewell to Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the country’s former Emir and father of the current ruler, who was laid to rest following funeral prayers held at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque in Doha.
The funeral drew members of the ruling Al Thani family, senior government officials, foreign dignitaries and thousands of mourners who gathered to pay their final respects to the late leader, who died on Sunday at the age of 74.
In an emotional display captured in photographs from the ceremony, Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, joined other family members in carrying his father’s coffin during the funeral procession, underscoring the close bond between the father and son.
The funeral prayers were conducted in accordance with Islamic traditions before Sheikh Hamad was laid to rest.
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013, when he voluntarily handed power to his son, Sheikh Tamim, in a historic and peaceful transfer of leadership. During his 18-year reign, he transformed Qatar into one of the world’s wealthiest nations by expanding its liquefied natural gas industry and investing heavily in infrastructure, education, healthcare and global diplomacy.
He was also widely credited with raising Qatar’s international profile through initiatives such as the establishment of Al Jazeera Media Network and laying the foundation for the country’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Following his passing, tributes poured in from leaders across the Middle East and beyond, who remembered Sheikh Hamad as a visionary statesman whose leadership reshaped Qatar’s economy and strengthened its influence on the global stage.
His death marks the end of an era for Qatar, but his legacy is expected to endure through the country’s continued development and the leadership of his son, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
