Qatar on Sunday bade farewell to former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, aged 74, and father of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar. As the funeral procession took place, the Qatari Amiri Diwan declared four days of mourning and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast across the country.
The former Emir was laid to rest at Lusail Cemetery after funeral prayers were held for him at the Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque in Doha. The Amiri Diwan announced that Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani would receive condolences from heads of state, members of the ruling family, dignitaries, and citizens at Lusail Palace on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
The Amiri Diwan also declared a general state of mourning for four days beginning Sunday, a suspension of work in ministries and other government bodies, authorities, and public institutions beginning Monday, and the flying of flags at half-mast throughout the country for the duration of the mourning period.
Jordan's King Abdullah II sent a condolence telegram to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, noting in the message the late Emir's leadership of a journey rich in construction and development in Qatar and his service to its cherished people and their advancement.
Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also offered their condolences to the Emir of Qatar on the passing of the former Emir.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to Qatar — its Emir, government, and people — on the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, expressing hope that Qatar and its people would continue to enjoy security and stability.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed his grief over the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa. Libyan Government of National Unity Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah offered condolences and sincere sympathy to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and to the state of Qatar and its people on the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also mourned the passing of the former Emir.
Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy extended condolences and sympathy to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and to the government and people of Qatar on the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa.
Al-Azhar Grand Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb expressed his sincere condolences to the Emir of Qatar, the ruling family, and the Qatari people.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a condolence message on the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed his condolences, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa.