Former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani Passes Away: A Key Figure in the Country's Modernization

Former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has passed away at the age of 74. This news was announced by the Qatari Emiri Diwan. 'We mourn the loss of our beloved Father, Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, with deep sorrow, trusting in God's will and judgment' it was stated.A 4-day official mourning period has been declared in Qatar. During this period, all government ministries, public institutions, and affiliated organizations will suspend their operations. Employees will return to work on Sunday, July 19. All official flags across the country will also be flown at half-mast during the mourning period.Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani had transferred his duties to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in 2013, in a rare move among Gulf monarchies. At that time, 33-year-old Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani became the new Emir of Qatar. Despite stepping back from active management, Sheikh Hamad continued to be seen as a symbol of the country's development process.The funeral prayer for Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani will be held at the Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque in the capital Doha, following the evening prayer, and his body will be buried in the Lusail Cemetery. Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will receive condolences from heads of state, members of the Al Thani family, senior officials, and citizens at the Lusail Palace. The condolences will be accepted on July 13, 14, and 15, between 8:00 am and 11:30 am, and also from the afternoon prayer to the night prayer.