Arab and international leaders, presidents, kings, and officials mourned former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 74, after a decades-long career during which he was one of the most prominent architects of transformation in the modern history of Qatar.

The Qatari Amiri Diwan declared general mourning across the entire country for the 'great departed of the homeland' for four days starting Sunday, and the suspension of work in ministries, other government bodies, agencies, and public institutions starting Monday, with employees resuming work on Sunday, July 19.

Flags will also be flown at half-mast across the country throughout the mourning period, according to the Qatar News Agency.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that King Salman bin Abdulaziz sent a cable of condolences and sympathy to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, on the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, former Emir of Qatar.

King Salman said: 'We learned with deep pain the news of the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar, who gave so much to his country and people. We extend to Your Highness, your family, and the people of Qatar our deepest condolences and sincere sympathy.'

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent a cable of condolences and sympathy to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, on the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, former Emir of Qatar.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman said: 'I received with great sorrow and grief the news of the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar, who played a prominent role in the renaissance and prosperity of Qatar. I send to Your Highness and the family of the deceased my warmest condolences and sincerest sympathy.'

For his part, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Al-Budaiwi expressed his 'sincere condolences and sympathy to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, on the death of the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.'

Al-Budaiwi said in a statement that 'the deceased was one of the leaders who contributed sincerely and wisely to the renaissance of Qatar and its comprehensive development and progress at various levels. He also played a prominent role in supporting the joint Gulf action and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood, interconnection, and integration among the GCC states.'

President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed also offered his sincere condolences to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and to the Qatari people on the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, also offered his sincere condolences to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and to the Qatari people on the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq also sent 'a cable of condolences and sympathy to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, on the death of his father, Prince Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,' according to the Oman News Agency.

The Sultan of Oman expressed his 'sincere condolences and genuine sympathy to the Emir of Qatar and all members of the Qatari people for this great loss.'

For his part, King of Jordan Abdullah II wrote on platform 'X': 'Warmest condolences and sincerest feelings of sympathy to my brother Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the brotherly Qatari people on the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.'

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed his pain and sorrow over the death of the former Emir of Qatar, whose 'passing represents a great loss for Qatar, Lebanon, and the Arab world.'

He said: 'Lebanon, president and people, recalls with all appreciation and loyalty the sincere brotherly positions expressed by the great deceased towards it, especially during the Israeli aggression in July 2006, when Qatar under his leadership stood by Lebanon in one of its darkest moments and contributed to alleviating the suffering of its people.'

In turn, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi offered his sincere condolences to the State of Qatar, its Emir, government, and people, on the death of the 'Father Emir.'

Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara also offered his sincere condolences and genuine sympathy to the Emir of Qatar and the State of Qatar, government and people, on the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

For his part, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan offered his sincere condolences to the Emir of Qatar and said: 'During my tenure as Prime Minister, I had the honor of working closely with the late Emir on the international stage. He played a prominent role in elevating the political, commercial, military, humanitarian, and cultural relations between Turkey and Qatar to where they are today. I witnessed his sincere efforts for the peace of the Islamic world, the stability of our region, and the welfare of the Qatari people.'

President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also sent a cable of condolences and sympathy to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, expressing his deep sorrow and distress over this loss.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani as 'a great leader and an outstanding statesman whose wisdom, foresight, and dedication to serving his people helped transform Qatar into a modern, prosperous country respected globally. His lasting contributions to the welfare of his homeland and people, and to promoting regional peace, development, and international cooperation, will remain immortal in memory across generations.'