**Funeral Prayers Held for Qatar’s Father Emir Sheikh Hamad in Doha**
Doha, Qatar – Funeral prayers were conducted on July 12, 2026, for Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar, who passed away at the age of 74. The prayers took place at the Imam Mohammed ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque in Doha, following the daily Maghrib evening prayer.
Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013, was a pivotal figure in the country's modernization and development. His leadership is often credited with transforming Qatar into a significant player on the global stage, both politically and economically.
Mourners gathered at the mosque, dressed in traditional Qatari attire, to pay their respects. They stood solemnly with their hands clasped as they faced the shrouded body of Sheikh Hamad during the prayers. Following the ceremony, his body was carried out by close family members, including his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who succeeded him as Emir.
Sheikh Hamad's burial is set to take place at Lusail Cemetery. According to Al Jazeera’s correspondent Zein Basravi, the funeral ceremony was described as “humble,” emphasizing the simplicity of the Islamic burial customs being observed. “This will be a simple Islamic funeral ceremony, a simple Islamic burial,” Basravi reported.
In accordance with local customs, an official mourning period will last until Wednesday, during which Emir Sheikh Tamim will receive visiting heads of state, dignitaries, and members of the royal family at Lusail Palace. This period of mourning reflects the respect and honor afforded to Sheikh Hamad for his contributions to the nation.
As Qatar reflects on the legacy of its former leader, many remember him as the architect of modern Qatar, a title that underscores his significant role in shaping the nation’s identity and its path towards autonomy and development.