Leaders across the world pay tribute as nation begins official mourning for ‘Father Emir’

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Qatar has laid its former ruler, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, to rest following a simple Islamic burial attended by members of the royal family, government officials and mourners.

The former Emir, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, was buried at Lusail Cemetery in Doha after funeral prayers were held at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque following the Maghrib prayer.

The Amiri Diwan announced his death on Sunday, describing it as a great loss to the nation and extending condolences to the people of Qatar. The country also declared an official mourning period, with flags flown at half-mast and government institutions observing the mourning.

Sheikh Hamad was widely known as the “Father Emir,” an honorary title recognising his role in transforming modern Qatar. In 2013, he voluntarily handed over power to his son and successor, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in a rare transition by a hereditary Gulf ruler.

Mourners dressed in traditional Qatari attire gathered at the mosque to offer funeral prayers, while Emir Sheikh Tamim and other close family members carried the former ruler’s body before it was taken to Lusail Cemetery for burial. The funeral reflected Islamic traditions and Sheikh Hamad’s simple personal style.

During his 18 years in office, Sheikh Hamad led Qatar’s transformation into one of the world’s wealthiest and most influential nations through the development of its vast natural gas resources. Under his leadership, the country became the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and recorded significant economic growth.

His administration also strengthened Qatar’s diplomatic relations, expanded its international influence and oversaw the launch of Al Jazeera in 1996, which later became one of the world’s leading media organisations.

Director-General of Al Jazeera Media Network, Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal Al Thani, described Sheikh Hamad as the visionary behind the establishment of the network, saying his leadership laid the foundation for a global media institution.

His reign also saw the introduction of Qatar’s first permanent constitution in 2004 and municipal elections that gave women the right to vote and contest elective positions. His leadership also helped position Qatar to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, widely regarded as a milestone in the country’s global engagement.

Assistant Professor of International Affairs at Qatar University, Abdulla Banndar el Etaibi, described Sheikh Hamad as a leader who transformed Qatar into an extraordinary nation through his vision and investment in the LNG sector. He said the former Emir left a lasting legacy that extended far beyond Qatar.

Tributes also came from leaders around the world, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who praised Sheikh Hamad’s leadership and his contribution to Qatar’s development, regional influence and global standing.

Qatar will continue its official mourning period as the country honours the legacy of a leader widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar.

Source: Muslim News