Qatar’s former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has passed away at the age of 74, leading to official condolences from the Nigerian government and global leaders.
The Qatari government confirmed the news on Sunday, honoring the former ruler for his role in modernizing the Gulf nation.
“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,” the emir’s office stated via social media.
Officials have declared several days of national mourning, with funeral prayers scheduled for Sunday evening.
Sheikh Hamad governed Qatar from 1995 until 2013, a period defined by massive economic growth fueled by the country’s natural gas reserves.
His leadership propelled Qatar to become a top global exporter of liquefied natural gas and one of the world’s wealthiest nations. Notably, he was in power in 2010 when Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In 2013, he stepped down in a rare peaceful transition to his son, the current Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Sunday, with Minister Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu praising the late leader as “a distinguished and visionary leader.”
“The Government of Nigeria expresses deep 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,” the ministry noted.
The statement further highlighted that “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 transformative contributions to the development and modernization of Qatar have left an indelible mark on the nation and the wider region.”
The minister emphasized that “His wisdom, dedication to progress, and commitment to international cooperation will be remembered fondly by the people of Qatar, the Gulf countries, and international partners.”
Offering support during this period of bereavement, the statement concluded: “Nigeria stands in solidarity with Qatar during this time of grief and prays that Almighty God grant His Highness the Father Amir eternal rest in paradise, grant his family and the Qatari people patience and solace, and give them strength and comfort in this difficult time.”
