World leaders honor Qatar's former emir Sheikh Hamad after death at 74

Qatar's former ruler, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has died at the age of 74, triggering a massive wave of condolences and visits from heads of state to the capital Doha. His death was announced on July 12 by the Amiri Diwan, without giving a cause. Sheikh Hamad, who ruled from 1995 to 2013, transformed Qatar into a global economic and diplomatic power, launching Al Jazeera, developing its LNG industry, and securing the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Global Mourning

World leaders from across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia have gathered at Lusail Palace to offer condolences to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Notable visitors include Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also paid his respects. Singapore sent senior ministers to represent the city-state, and India's Kerala state declared official mourning Source: Al Jazeera, Euronews, CNA.

Legacy of Transformation

Sheikh Hamad came to power in a bloodless coup in 1995 and voluntarily abdicated in 2013, a rare peaceful transfer in the region. Under his leadership, Qatar's GDP per capita soared, and its influence expanded through investments and mediation roles. However, his independent foreign policy, including ties with Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood, also created tensions with Gulf neighbors Source: AP. His legacy includes both the modernization of Qatar and a more assertive regional role.