Pres Ali extends condolences on passing of former Emir of Qatar

President Dr Irfaan Ali has extended his deepest condolences to the Royal Family and people of the State of Qatar following the passing of former leader, His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 until his abdication in 2013, died at the age of 74, the Government announced on Sunday. He was responsible for transforming the small Gulf state into one of the world’s wealthiest and most influential nations. In a message of condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, the members of the Al Thani family, and the people of Qatar, President Ali acknowledged the significance of this loss.

“The passing of a parent is one of life’s greatest sorrows. While the world remembers the late Father Amir for his visionary leadership, remarkable statesmanship, and his immense contribution to the development of modern Qatar, his family mourns the loss of a beloved father, cherished patriarch, and source of wisdom, love, and guidance,” the Guyanese leader said in the message that was shared on social media on Sunday.
Nevertheless, President Ali added, “On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, and on my own behalf, I offer my heartfelt sympathies during this time of profound grief. May Almighty Allah grant the late Father Amir His infinite mercy and admit him into the highest ranks of Jannah and may He grant His Highness, the Al Thani family, and the people of Qatar strength, patience and comfort in the days ahead.” In a statement published on social media on Sunday, the Emir office said, “With hearts steadfast in faith in God’s decree and destiny, the Amiri Diwan mourns the great loss to the nation of the late – may God have mercy on him – His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.”

The former Emir is widely regarded as one of the key architects of modern Qatar. According to Al Jazeera, the country experienced rapid economic growth, significant global expansion, and major developments that shaped its political and economic standing during his leadership. Sheikh Hamad took power from his father in a bloodless coup 31 years ago – at a time when Qatar was struggling for money with dwindling oil reserves. However, his leadership changed the future of the energy-rich country, making Qatar one of the leading producers and exporters of liquefied natural gas. His tenure also saw the promulgation of Qatar’s first permanent constitution in 2004 and the introduction of municipal elections in which women were allowed to vote and stand as candidates. Following news of his death, tributes have been pouring in from leaders around the world, who have described Sheikh Hamad as a distinguished and visionary leader and a man of value. Based on international reports, funeral prayers were held on Sunday evening, with several days of public mourning across Qatar to mark his death. Additionally, flags will be flown at half-mast, while Government offices and public institutions will be shut as a mark of respect.