Key facts
- Doha is hosting numerous world leaders for Qatar's national mourning period for former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
- Notable international figures paying respects include the UAE President, Jordan's King, the Palestinian President, and Iran's Foreign Minister.
- Senior representatives from France, Germany, and Britain also traveled to Qatar.
- Sheikh Hamad, who ruled from 1995 to 2013, is credited with transforming Qatar into a global power.
- Qatar declared four days of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast.
Doha is hosting a significant number of world leaders and senior dignitaries who are arriving to pay their respects during Qatar's four-day national mourning period for the passing of the Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The former emir, who ruled from 1995 to 2013, is widely recognized for transforming Qatar into a global player in energy, diplomacy, and media.
Among the high-profile figures arriving on Wednesday were UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Jordan's King Abdullah II, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. These visits underscore Sheikh Hamad's extensive relationships across the Middle East and Africa.
European delegations also continued to arrive, including French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Britain's Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was also expected, with his visit occurring amidst heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington.
These arrivals follow earlier visits on Tuesday by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Swiss Vice President Ignazio Cassis, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, among others.
Qatar declared four days of national mourning following Sheikh Hamad's death on Sunday at the age of 74. Flags have been flown at half-mast across the country, and government offices have remained closed. Thursday marks the final day of the official mourning period, though further visits are anticipated.
During his tenure, Sheikh Hamad oversaw a significant expansion of liquefied natural gas production, making Qatar the world's largest LNG exporter. He also secured the bid for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, expanded Qatar Airways, and utilized the nation's wealth for regional mediation. He handed power to his son, Sheikh Tamim, in 2013, marking a rare peaceful transfer of power in the Gulf region.