Rabat – World leaders and organizations continue to send cables of condolence to Qatar following the death of its former emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who ruled the country from 1995 to 2013.
The Amiri Diwan announced the news on Sunday, mourning the “great loss to the nation of the late — may God have mercy on him — His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away this morning.”
Qatar also announced a four-day period of public mourning starting Monday. Work has been suspended at government agencies and public bodies, while flags have been lowered to half-mast.
Many world leaders and organizations extended their condolences to Qatar.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended his condolences and sympathy to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his family on the passing of his father.
“May God grant him mercy, rest his soul in eternal peace, and bring comfort to his family during this difficult time,” the UAE President said.
President Mahmoud Abbas also extended his condolences to Qatar’s emir, commending the late Father Emir as the founder of modern Qatar and a prominent national and Arab leader.
Abbas said the late emir devoted his life to advancing his people and country and strengthening Qatar’s regional and international standing.
The Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Hissein Brahim Taha, also expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to Qatar, its leadership, and its people on the passing of the former emir.
Taha echoed the widely shared tributes, commending the late emir for his efforts and “historic role in the modern revival and development of the State of Qatar, as well as his steadfast stance in supporting joint Islamic action and strengthening solidarity among the Organisation’s member states,” emphasizing that the Arab and Islamic nations have lost a wise leader who dedicated his life to serving his country and the just causes of his nation.
