World leaders gather in Doha to honour Qatar's Father Emir Sheikh Hamad

By Aadel Haleem Published on 14/07/2026 - 17:56 GMT+2 Share Comments Add Euronews on Google Share Facebook Twitter Flipboard Send Reddit Linkedin Messenger Telegram VK Bluesky Threads Whatsapp Leaders from Europe, Africa and Asia travelled to Doha to offer condolences to the royal family following the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who served as Qatar's emir from 1995 until 2013. Leaders from across Europe, Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East have travelled to Doha to offer their condolences to Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani following the death of his father, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The visits came as Qatar continued a four-day period of national mourning for the former ruler, who died on Sunday at the age of 74. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was among the first European heads of government to arrive and met Sheikh Tamim at Lusail Palace to express her condolences. Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Italian PM Georgia Meloni during a condolence visit over the passing of Qatar's Father Emir Sheikh Hamad. Qatar Amiri Diwan via AP Swiss Vice President Ignazio Cassis also came to the Lusail to offer his condolences on Tuesday. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also travelled to Doha, describing Sheikh Hamad as "an outstanding statesman" whose leadership transformed Qatar. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev offers his condolences to Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. Qatar News Agency Tributes from across continents Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was among several regional leaders to pay his respects, as were Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Morocco's Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, all of whom offered their condolences. Rwandan President Paul Kagame also travelled to Doha, in a show of wide-ranging international support during the mourning period. Kagame described Sheikh Hamad as "a visionary leader who transformed Qatar into the remarkable nation it is today." "His legacy of service to his people and commitment to friendship and cooperation among nations will endure for generations," Kagame added. Widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar, Sheikh Hamad oversaw a period of rapid economic, diplomatic and cultural transformation that helped establish the Gulf state as a global player. During his reign, Qatar expanded its role as an international mediator, developed one of the world's largest liquefied natural gas industries and secured the rights to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Infantino joins mourners FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also among those to visit Lusail Palace. In a message posted on social media, Infantino described Sheikh Hamad as "the man who shaped Qatar into a great nation", adding that he had taught him "that bravery means embracing change and always moving forward." Infantino, who has often called Qatar his "second home", said he felt "Qatari" as he joined mourners in paying his respects to the former emir. FIFA President Gianni Infantino offers his condolences to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the Lusail Palace in Qatar. Qatar News Agency Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until voluntarily handing power to his son in 2013, becoming one of the few Gulf leaders to oversee a peaceful transfer of power during his lifetime. Go to accessibility shortcuts Share Comments Add Euronews on Google Read more Former Qatar ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies aged 74 World leaders gather in Doha to honour Qatar's Father Emir Sheikh Hamad Iran bids farewell to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid tensions with US condolence Funeral Qatar