Qatar's Father Emir Sheikh Hamad Laid to Rest

Funeral prayers were held for Qatar's Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in Doha on October 24, 2023. Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, overseeing a period of significant economic and political development for the nation. He abdicated in favor of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in 2013.

Sheikh Hamad's reign was marked by Qatar's rise as a major global player in energy markets, particularly through the expansion of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) production. Under his leadership, the country also invested heavily in media, establishing Al Jazeera as a prominent international news network. His rule also saw substantial investments in infrastructure and the diversification of the Qatari economy beyond oil and gas.

He will be laid to rest at Lusail Cemetery in Doha. The passing of Sheikh Hamad marks the end of an era for Qatar, a country that transformed considerably under his stewardship. His legacy includes the strategic positioning of Qatar on the world stage and the foundational economic policies that continue to shape the nation's future.