Leaders from across the globe are converging on Qatar to offer condolences following the death of Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who ruled from 1995 to 2013 and is credited with modernizing the nation. He passed away on January 16, 2025, at age 74.

Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has been receiving dignitaries, ambassadors, and mourners at the Lusail Palace for three days starting Monday. Among the first to pay respects were Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman offered condolences by phone. Other visitors included Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Swiss Vice President Ignazio Cassis, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and leaders from Oman, Morocco, Libya, Mauritania, Comoros, Rwanda, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Maldives, and Kazakhstan.

The Secretary-General of the Arab League and the GCC also paid tribute. The three-day mourning period reflects the late emir's significant regional and international influence.

Source: www.aljazeera.com