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Qatar mourns former emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who died at 74

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Qatar is mourning the death of its former emir, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away at 74.
  • A mass funeral prayer was led by his son and current emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, followed by a four-day national mourning period.
  • Al Thani, who ruled from 1995 until his voluntary abdication in 2013, was instrumental in developing Qatar's global standing and rich Gulf nation's ambitions.

Qatar is observing a period of national mourning following the death of its former emir, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away at the age of 74. Thousands gathered for a mass funeral prayer in Doha, led by his son and the current emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The country has declared a four-day period of national mourning.

He lived like a giant and becomes a legend today.

— Emmanuel MacronThe French President Emmanuel Macron commented on the passing of the former emir.

Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013, when he voluntarily abdicated in favor of his son, Tamim. His reign was marked by significant development and the expansion of Qatar's influence on the international stage. He came to power in 1995 by overthrowing his father, Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, in a bloodless coup while his father was abroad.

Leaders from around the world have offered condolences. European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Suica, praised his "vision and leadership" in fostering a strong EU-Qatar partnership and shaping modern Qatar. French President Emmanuel Macron remembered Al Thani as a "giant" who became a legend, highlighting his work in building a strong relationship with France.

vision and leadership

— Dubravka SuicaThe European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Suica, highlighted the former emir's qualities.

Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez also expressed her "deep sorrow," acknowledging the former emir's "legacy and leadership." The passing of Sheikh Hamad marks the end of an era for the small but influential Gulf nation.

deep sorrow

— Delcy RodríguezThe interim president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, expressed her feelings on the death of the former emir.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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