Funeral prayers for Qatar's Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani held in Doha

Funeral prayers were held for Qatar's Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani on July 12, 2026, at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque in Doha. Sheikh Hamad, who passed away at the age of 74, was instrumental in transforming Qatar into a modern nation with significant global influence.

Sheikh Hamad's Legacy and Influence

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was the architect of Qatar's remarkable transformation during his reign from 1995 to 2013. Under his leadership, the country's gross domestic product rose more than 24-fold, primarily due to the development of its substantial gas resources. By 2006, Qatar became the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

His tenure saw the launch of the Al Jazeera News Channel in 1996, which became one of the most influential media networks worldwide. Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal Al Thani, the director general of Al Jazeera Media Network, stated, “He was the visionary behind the original idea and the one who laid the foundations of this great media institution.”

A Humble Farewell

The funeral ceremony was described as a simple event, reflecting both Islamic tradition and Sheikh Hamad's character. Mourners, dressed in traditional Qatari attire, paid their respects as close family members carried his body out of the mosque. Sheikh Hamad was laid to rest at the Lusail Cemetery, located north of Doha.

Al Jazeera's Zein Basravi noted that the simplicity of the ceremony was emblematic of how Sheikh Hamad lived his life, stating, “He did not concern himself with the trappings of wealth but was focused on the welfare of his own people.”

Qatar's Global Role Under Sheikh Hamad

During Sheikh Hamad's reign, Qatar played a crucial mediating role in various international conflicts, including the tensions between the United States and Iran. The country also gained international recognition by hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, showcasing its global influence.

Abdulla Banndar Al-Etaibi, an assistant professor at Qatar University, remarked, “We’re talking about someone who left a legacy all over the world, not only in Qatar.” Sheikh Hamad's contributions to the country and beyond will be remembered as part of his extraordinary legacy.