Leaders and officials from around the world have paid tribute following the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar, who died at the age of 74. Qatar's Amiri Diwan announced his passing on Sunday, describing him as one of the nation's most influential leaders and declaring a period of national mourning.
Current Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his father, praising his lifelong service to Qatar and describing him as the architect of the country's modern development. Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, overseeing rapid economic growth driven by natural gas exports, launching the Al Jazeera television network, expanding Qatar's global influence, and voluntarily handing power to his son in 2013.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Sheikh Hamad as "a visionary leader" who transformed Qatar into a major global power. Modi also highlighted the late emir's role in strengthening relations between India and Qatar, offering condolences to the royal family and the people of Qatar.
Messages of condolence also came from leaders across the Gulf region and beyond, who praised Sheikh Hamad's contributions to regional diplomacy, economic development, and international cooperation. Many recognised his role in turning Qatar into one of the world's leading exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and raising the country's profile on the global stage.
Across Qatar, tributes poured in from citizens and residents, many describing Sheikh Hamad as the "Father Amir" whose leadership laid the foundations of modern Qatar. Public figures, institutions, and social media users remembered his legacy of modernisation, investment in education and infrastructure, and efforts to position Qatar as an influential voice in regional and international affairs.