Qatar’s former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has passed away at the age of 74, drawing tributes from Nigeria and several other nations.
The Qatari government confirmed his death on Sunday, describing the late ruler as a remarkable national figure whose leadership reshaped the country and elevated its global standing.
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In a statement shared on social media, the Emir’s Office said:
“With hearts steadfast in faith in God’s decree and destiny, the Bureau of the Emir mourns the great loss to the nation of the late — may God have mercy on him — His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.”
Authorities in Qatar announced that funeral prayers would take place on Sunday evening, while a period of national mourning has also been declared.
Sheikh Hamad led Qatar from 1995 until 2013 after assuming power through a peaceful palace coup while his father was overseas.
His years in office were marked by sweeping economic growth, largely fuelled by the country’s abundant natural gas resources. Under his administration, Qatar emerged as one of the world’s leading exporters of liquefied natural gas and ranked among the richest nations globally in terms of GDP per capita.
He also played a key role in securing Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, after the country won hosting rights in 2010.
In June 2013, Sheikh Hamad voluntarily stepped down, handing over leadership to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in what was widely regarded as a rare and peaceful succession in the modern Arab world.
Following the announcement of his death, the Nigerian government conveyed its sympathies to the leadership and people of Qatar.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the late Father Amir as an exceptional statesman whose legacy would endure.
According to the statement:
“The Government of Nigeria expresses profound condolences on the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir of the State of Qatar, on Sunday, 12 July 2026.
“His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who served as Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013, was a distinguished and visionary leader whose remarkable contributions to the transformation and modernization of Qatar have left a lasting legacy for the nation and the broader region.
“His wisdom, commitment to development, and dedication to international cooperation will continue to be remembered by the people of Qatar, the Gulf region, and the global community.”
The minister also extended condolences to Qatar’s current Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, members of the Al Thani family, and the people of Qatar.
She reaffirmed Nigeria’s solidarity with the Gulf nation during this period of mourning, praying that Almighty God grants the late Father Amir eternal peace, comforts his family and the people of Qatar, and gives them strength to bear the loss.
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