BREAKING: Tanzania’s President Samia mourns Qatar’s former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, dead at 74

Africa, Middle East, Obituaries

DODOMA, Tanzania (NPA) — Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has extended condolences to the Government and people of Qatar following the passing of the country’s former ruler, His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who died on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the age of 74.

In a statement on Sunday, President Suluhu extended her sympathies to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, and praised the late statesman for his transformative leadership and enduring contributions to Qatar’s development.

“On behalf of the Government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I extend my deepest condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, and the people of the State of Qatar, following the demise of His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani,” she said.

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President Suluhu described the late Father Emir as a visionary leader whose legacy would be remembered for driving Qatar’s socio-economic transformation and promoting the empowerment of women.

“The late former Emir of Qatar will be remembered for his significant contribution to the socio-economic development of Qatar and his critical role in advancing women empowerment, especially their enfranchisement,” she added.

She concluded her tribute with the Islamic prayer: “Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.”

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, after assuming power in a peaceful transition that ended the reign of his father, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani.

During his tenure, he transformed Qatar into one of the world’s wealthiest and most influential states through ambitious economic reforms, strategic investments and an assertive foreign policy.

Among his most notable achievements were the establishment of the Qatar Investment Authority, which became one of the world’s leading sovereign wealth funds, the launch of Al Jazeera, which reshaped the Arab media landscape, and major investments in education, healthcare and infrastructure.

His administration also secured Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a landmark achievement that elevated the country’s global profile and reinforced its role in international sports diplomacy.