The former ruler died at age 74, according to an announcement from the Amiri Diwan, Qatar's royal court. His passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from across the region as well as messages of sympathy from international leaders.
© Getty ImagesSheikha Moza Shares an Emotional Tribute
Among the most personal tributes came from his widow, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. In a message shared in Arabic, she expressed profound grief over the loss of her husband, prayed for God's mercy, and reflected on the legacy he leaves behind. Framing her tribute with verses from the Quran, she described the former emir as a defining figure in Qatar's history whose leadership helped shape the modern nation.
Sheikha Moza said she felt "the greatest sorrow" over the passing of Qatar's historic leader before ending her message with a heartfelt prayer for her late husband:
"With a broken heart, I pray to Allah, the Exalted, to envelop him in His mercy and grant him a spacious place in Paradise. 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return.'"
© mozabintnasserQatar Declares Four Days of National Mourning
Qatar declared four days of national mourning, with flags flown at half-staff throughout the country. Funeral prayers were held at the Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque in Doha, where Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani joined members of the royal family, government officials, diplomats, and thousands of mourners to honor his father.
The funeral procession later continued to Lusail Cemetery.
© NurPhoto via Getty ImagesA Legacy That Transformed Qatar
Sheikh Hamad came to power in 1995 and ruled until 2013, when he voluntarily transferred authority to his son. During his nearly two decades as emir, Qatar experienced rapid economic growth fueled by the expansion of its liquefied natural gas industry.
© Hindustan Times via Getty ImagesThe country also increased its influence in regional diplomacy, invested heavily in education and infrastructure, and launched the Al Jazeera television network, which went on to become one of the world's best-known news organizations.
© Getty ImagesHis leadership helped position Qatar as a prominent player on the global stage. At the same time, the country's foreign policy occasionally drew criticism from some Western governments and neighboring Gulf states. Despite those tensions, Qatar maintained close security and defense ties with the United States throughout his reign.
Sheikha Moza's Role on the World Stage
Sheikha Moza emerged as one of Qatar's most recognizable public figures during her husband's reign. As chairperson and co-founder of Qatar Foundation, she has championed education, scientific research, and social development while becoming an internationally recognized advocate for expanding educational opportunities throughout the Arab world.
© Getty ImagesHer influence has extended well beyond Qatar through her work in philanthropy, culture, and education. She has also become known internationally for representing a modern image of the Gulf state while promoting initiatives focused on innovation and human development.
© Getty Images for Qatar MuseumsThe End of a Defining Era
The death of Sheikh Hamad marks the close of a defining chapter in Qatar's modern history. His influence continues to shape the country's political institutions, economy, and international profile under the leadership of his son, Emir Sheikh Tamim.
© Getty ImagesAs Qatar mourns the loss of its former ruler, tributes from within the country and around the world continue to recognize the lasting impact of the leader who helped transform the small Gulf nation into a significant force in global affairs.
