Qatar Bids Farewell to Father Emir: Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Laid to Rest After Solemn State Funeral

Funeral prayers have been held for the Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, at Qatars national mosque, attended by dignitaries, members of the ruling family and citizens, ahead of his burial at Lusail Cemetery. https://t.co/yHDyM4WDm8 News Analysis & Summary The state of Qatar observed a moment of profound national mourning as funeral prayers were held for the Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque in Doha. The service was attended by a host of dignitaries, including members of the ruling Al Thani family, senior government officials, foreign ambassadors, and thousands of citizens who gathered to pay their final respects. The former Emir, who ruled from 1995 to 2013 and is credited with transforming Qatar into a modern, influential nation, was then transported with full military honors for burial at the Lusail Cemetery, the royal burial ground north of Doha. His passing marks the end of an era for a leader who oversaw Qatar's rise in energy, diplomacy, and culture. In my opinion, this moment is not only a time of grief but also a reflection on the legacy of a visionary who balanced tradition with rapid modernization. The seamless transition of power to his son, Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, years ago already secured continuity, but Sheikh Hamad's death evokes both nostalgia and a renewed sense of national identity for Qatar. The funeral, while somber, also served as a unifying display of the nation's respect for its founding father figure. Source: @AJENews on X/TwitterPublic Engagement Views: 38,646 Likes: 172 Comments: 32 Shares: 41 Published: July 12, 2026, 4:44 pm