{"id":931041,"date":"2026-07-13T02:07:16","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T02:07:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/931041\/"},"modified":"2026-07-13T02:07:16","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T02:07:16","slug":"former-emir-of-qatar-sheikh-hamad-bin-khalifa-al-thani-dies-reactions-gcc-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/931041\/","title":{"rendered":"Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies: Reactions | GCC News"},"content":{"rendered":"

Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani<\/a>, who ruled Qatar from 1995 until his abdication in 2013, has died at the age of 74, the government announced.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith hearts steadfast in faith in God\u2019s decree and destiny, the Amiri Diwan mourns the great loss to the nation of the late \u2013 may God have mercy on him \u2013 His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,\u201d the emir\u2019s office<\/a> said in a statement published on social media on Sunday.<\/p>\n

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Sheikh Hamad is widely regarded as one of the key architects of modern Qatar. During his leadership, the country experienced rapid economic growth, significant global expansion and major developments that shaped its political and economic standing.<\/p>\n

Here is how some of the world\u2019s\u00a0leaders reacted to his passing:<\/p>\n

Arab League<\/p>\n

Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy expressed his condolences to Qatar\u2019s leadership.<\/p>\n

Translation: I extend my sincerest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, on the passing of His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, may God have mercy on him. I pray that God envelop him in His boundless mercy and forgiveness, and grant his family and the people of Qatar patience and solace.<\/p>\n

Belgium<\/p>\n

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prevot shared his \u201cheartfelt condolences\u201d after the passing of Sheikh Hamad, whom he called \u201ca recognised leader who laid the foundations of contemporary Qatar\u201d.<\/p>\n

He added: \u201cIt was under the tenure of Sheikh Hamad that Qatar\u2019s first permanent constitution was promulgated and that municipal elections in which women were allowed to vote and stand as candidates were introduced.\u201d<\/p>\n

Canada<\/p>\n

Both Prime Minister Mark Carney and Foreign Minister Anita Anand convey Canada\u2019s condolences towards Qatar and its people.<\/p>\n

Carney said Sheikh Hamad \u201cled the State of Qatar through a remarkable period of transformation and helped shape its role on the global stage\u201d, while Anand said the father emir \u201cwill be remembered for the vision and leadership that transformed Qatar and expanded its influence around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Egypt<\/p>\n

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi expressed his deepest condolences and sympathy to Qatar\u2019s leaders and people. In a statement, he said: \u201cDeepest condolences and sympathies to the sisterly State of Qatar, to its Emir, government and people, on the passing of the late His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. We ask God to envelop him in His vast mercy and to perpetuate security and stability upon Qatar and its people. Verily, to God we belong, and to Him we shall return.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hamas<\/p>\n

The Palestinian group Hamas expressed condolences to Qatar\u2019s leadership, the ruling family and the people of Qatar, describing Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani as a major national and Arab leader and praising his support for the Palestinian cause.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Father Emir was a visionary leader, a man of initiative, and a man of values and genuine humanitarian and Arab principles. He made the well-being of his country, his people, and his nation, and the support of just causes, foremost among them the Palestinian cause, a steadfast approach and an unwavering moral responsibility.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe stood with the Palestinian people, defending their legitimate rights, and affirming in various forums that true peace can only be achieved by ending the occupation and enabling our people to attain their rights and establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital,\u201d Hamas said in an statement.<\/p>\n

Hamas described his 2012 visit to the Gaza Strip as a historic gesture of solidarity, saying it helped break the territory\u2019s isolation and demonstrated Qatar\u2019s support for Palestinians during difficult circumstances.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnder his leadership and guidance, and continuing under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim, may God protect him, Qatar has been a voice of support for Palestine and a pillar of support for the people of Gaza. This support has manifested in political stances, humanitarian initiatives, and relief and reconstruction efforts, stemming from a firm conviction that supporting the oppressed and standing with people in their times of hardship is a responsibility that does not expire with time,\u201d Hamas added.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe ask God Almighty to bestow His abundant mercy upon the late Emir, to grant him eternal peace in Paradise, and to place his contributions to his nation, his people, the Palestinian cause, and humanitarian issues on the scales of his good deeds.\u201d<\/p>\n

India<\/p>\n

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the father emir of Qatar, describing him as a \u201cvisionary leader who guided Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity\u201d.<\/p>\n

Modi remembered Sheikh Hamad as a valued friend and noted his honour in meeting the former emir during his visit to Qatar in February 2024. He extended his condolences to his son, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Al Thani family and the people of Qatar.<\/p>\n

Iraq<\/p>\n

President Nizar Amedi conveyed the condolences of Iraq to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith profound sorrow that I learned of the passing of Your Highness\u2019s esteemed father, the late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. On behalf of the Republic of Iraq, its government and people, and on my own behalf, I extend to Your Highness, the Al Thani family, and the brotherly people of the State of Qatar my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy,\u201d he said in a statement released by the Iraqi News Agency.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with the State of Qatar and share in the grief of a nation mourning the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders. Sheikh Hamad\u2019s enduring legacy and his contributions to the progress and development of Qatar will be remembered with profound respect,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi also extended his condolences, saying: \u201cWith profound sadness and sorrow, we received the news of the passing of the father of the Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, may God have mercy on him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn behalf of myself and the Republic of Iraq, its government and people, I extend my sincerest condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and to the brotherly people of Qatar.\u201d<\/p>\n

Italy<\/p>\n

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she learned with \u201cdeep sadness\u201d the news of the passing of the Father Emir of Qatar.<\/p>\n

\u201cSheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was one of those rare leaders who changed the course of his Nation\u2019s history. With extraordinary vision, courage, and determination, he laid the foundations of modern Qatar, strengthened its institutions, and gave it a voice and prestige far beyond its borders. The Qatar we know and admire today bears the unmistakable imprint of his leadership,\u201d she said in a statement.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish to extend my deepest condolences personally and on behalf of the Italian Government to His Highness Emir Tamim, to all his family, and to the people of Qatar, to whom I address my thoughts and prayers at this moment of profound grief,\u201d Meloni added.<\/p>\n

Jordan<\/p>\n

King Abdullah II extended condolences on behalf of the kingdom and expressed solidarity with Qatar in a statement.<\/p>\n

Translation: We extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to my brother, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and to the brotherly people of the State of Qatar on the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.<\/p>\n

We pray that Almighty God envelop him in His boundless mercy and grace, and preserve the State of Qatar and its people. Indeed, to God we belong and to Him we shall return.<\/p>\n

Kuwait<\/p>\n

The Kuwaiti Army has released a statement expressing its \u201cprofound sorrow and grief\u201d over the passing of Sheikh Hamad, underlining \u201cthe era of progress and prosperity that the State of Qatar enjoyed under his wise leadership\u201d.<\/p>\n

Translation: It is with deep sorrow and grief that we mourn the passing of His Highness the Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, may God have mercy on him, as we reflect on the era of progress and prosperity that the State of Qatar enjoyed under his wise leadership.<\/p>\n

Lebanon<\/p>\n

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expressed sorrow over the passing of Sheikh Hamad, offering his condolences to Qatar\u2019s leadership and people.<\/p>\n

In his message, he highlighted the late father emir\u2019s longstanding support for Lebanon, particularly during periods of crisis, and praised his political and humanitarian contributions towards strengthening Lebanon\u2019s stability.<\/p>\n

He extended his condolences to Sheikh Tamim, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and the Qatari people.<\/p>\n

Translation: With profound sadness and sorrow, I extend my deepest condolences to the sisterly State of Qatar, to its leadership and people, on the passing of His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.<\/p>\n

The late emir will remain present in the memory of all Lebanese for the political and humanitarian support he provided to Lebanon in the most difficult circumstances, and for the efforts he exerted in serving the stability of the country.<\/p>\n

And I direct, in particular, my sincerest condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and to Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, asking Almighty God to envelop this great departed soul of the Arab and Islamic worlds in His vast mercy, to admit him into the spacious gardens of Paradise, and to grant our brothers and sisters in the State of Qatar patience and solace. Indeed, to God we belong, and to Him we shall return.<\/p>\n

Libya<\/p>\n

The prime minister of Libya\u2019s internationally recognised Government of National Unity in Tripoli, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, expressed his condolences to Qatar\u2019s leaders and people.<\/p>\n

Translation: With profound sadness and sorrow, we extend our sincerest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to my brother, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and to the State of Qatar and its brotherly people, on the passing of the Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.<\/p>\n

May God have mercy on the late Emir and inspire his family and the Qatari people with patience and solace.<\/p>\n

Indeed, to God we belong, and to Him we shall return.<\/p>\n

Malaysia<\/p>\n

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his condolences to Sheikh Tamim, the Qatari royal family and the people of the country.<\/p>\n

In his message, he described the late father emir as a leader who transformed Qatar into a country of global significance, highlighting the economic progress achieved during his 18-year rule and Qatar\u2019s growing role in regional and international affairs.<\/p>\n

Pakistan<\/p>\n

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed \u201cdeep grief\u201d over the passing of Sheikh Hamad and conveyed his \u201cheartfelt condolences\u201d to Qatar\u2019s leaders, government and people.<\/p>\n

Syria<\/p>\n

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa expressed his condolences to Qatar\u2019s leadership and people.<\/p>\n

Translation: I extend my sincerest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to my brother, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and to the brotherly State of Qatar, its government and people, on the passing of His Highness the Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
We pray that God envelop him in His boundless mercy and forgiveness, grant him a place in His spacious Paradise, and inspire his esteemed family and the brotherly people of Qatar with patience and solace.<\/p>\n

Turkiye<\/p>\n

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Sheikh Hamad, paying tribute to the late father emir\u2019s role in strengthening the strategic partnership between Turkiye and Qatar.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe played a major role in elevating the political, commercial, military, humanitarian, and cultural relations between Turkiye and the State of Qatar to their current level; I witnessed his sincere efforts for the peace of the Islamic world, the stability of our region, and the welfare of the Qatari people,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Translation: My most esteemed friend, I learned with great sorrow of the passing of the Father Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.<\/p>\n

During my tenure as prime minister, he was someone with whom I worked closely on the international stage; he played a major role in elevating the political, commercial, military, humanitarian, and cultural relations between Turkiye and the State of Qatar to their current level; I witnessed his sincere efforts for the peace of the Islamic world, the stability of our region and the welfare of the Qatari people. I pray that Almighty God grants mercy to Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.<\/p>\n

On behalf of myself, my family and my nation, I extend my condolences to the family of the late Father Emir, especially my dear brother, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as to the friendly and brotherly people of Qatar and the Islamic world.<\/p>\n

United Arab Emirates<\/p>\n

President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed his condolences to Sheikh Tamim and his family over the death of Sheikh Hamad.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay God grant him mercy, rest his soul in eternal peace, and bring comfort to his family during this difficult time,\u201d he wrote in a statement.<\/p>\n

United Nations<\/p>\n

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was \u201cdeeply saddened to learn of the passing of the former Emir of Qatar\u201d.<\/p>\n

Guterres called Sheikh Hamad \u201ca visionary and transformative leader for his nation & his people\u201d, sharing his condolences with Qatar and its people.<\/p>\n

United Kingdom<\/p>\n

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed her \u201csincere condolences\u201d and called Sheikh Hamad \u201ca respected leader who strengthened the longstanding Qatar-UK friendship.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yemen<\/p>\n

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Shaya Mohsen al-Zindani expressed his \u201csincere condolences\u201d and noted the late father emir\u2019s stature and contributions \u201cto the development of modern Qatar and the defence of the causes of the Arab and Islamic nations\u201d.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who ruled Qatar from 1995 until his abdication in 2013,…\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":931042,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[5],"tags":[5770,454,472,3097,50,80,6673,103],"class_list":["post-931041","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-world","tag-gcc","tag-government","tag-history","tag-middle-east","tag-news","tag-politics","tag-qatar","tag-world"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/116910230593072345","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/931041","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=931041"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/931041\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/931042"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=931041"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=931041"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=931041"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}