Qatar Mourns the Passing of Former Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

TDS - 14 July 2026

The State of Qatar is mourning the passing of its former Amir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who died on 12 July 2026 at the age of 74. Widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar, Sheikh Hamad transformed the small Gulf nation into one of the world's most influential economies and diplomatic actors during his 18-year reign from 1995 to 2013.

Under his leadership, Qatar used its vast natural gas wealth to become the world's leading exporter of liquefied natural gas while investing heavily in education, healthcare, infrastructure and international business. His reign also saw the launch of Al Jazeera in 1996, the establishment of the Qatar Investment Authority in 2005, and Qatar's successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup—developments that significantly elevated the country's global profile.

In 2013, Sheikh Hamad became one of the few Gulf rulers to voluntarily transfer power, handing leadership to his son, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, ensuring a smooth and stable succession.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has conveyed South Africa's condolences to the Royal Family and the people of Qatar. “As South Africa, we consider ourselves to be close friends and partners of the State of Qatar which has been a model of peace, development, prosperity and global influence inspired by the extraordinary leadership of the late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

“In this moment of sorrow, we join the people of Qatar and the allies and friends globally in mourning the loss of a distinguished leader whose vision, wisdom and unwavering dedication to the socio-economic progress and prosperity of his nation and the Global South left an enduring legacy."

The Embassy of Qatar in Pretoria, South Africa has opened a book of condolences until Wednesday, 15 July 2026.

Qatar has declared four days of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast and public sector work suspended as the nation honours the life and legacy of the Father Amir.