Istanbul / Anadolu

Qatar announced on Sunday morning the death of its former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, at the age of 74.

The Amiri Diwan said in a statement: "With hearts believing in God's decree and destiny, the Amiri Diwan mourns the great loss of the nation, the late, by God's permission, His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away this morning on 27 Muharram 1448 AH, corresponding to July 12, 2026, at the age of 74."

He added: "May God envelop the great loss of the nation in His vast mercy and forgiveness, and grant him a place in His spacious paradise among the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous, and make them excellent companions. May God reward him abundantly for the sublime and eternal deeds he offered to his nation and the Arab and Islamic ummah, and inspire us all with patience and solace."

Later, the Diwan stated in a statement that the funeral prayer for the late Emir will be held after Maghrib prayer on Sunday at the Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque in Doha, after which his body will be laid to rest at Lusail Cemetery.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will receive condolences from heads of state, the ruling family, dignitaries, and citizens at Lusail Palace on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, during the morning period from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. local time (05:00 to 08:30 GMT), and during the evening period from after Asr prayer until Isha prayer, according to the Diwan.

The Amiri Diwan also declared a four-day public mourning period in the country, starting Sunday.

It also announced the suspension of work in ministries, other government bodies, and public institutions starting Monday, July 13, 2026, with employees expected to resume work on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Flags will be flown at half-mast across the country throughout the mourning period.

Sheikh Hamad assumed power in 1995, and on June 25, 2013, he handed over the reins of power to his then-heir apparent, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the current Emir of Qatar.