Arab, regional leaders gather in Doha on final day of mourning for Qatar’s Father Amir

High-level delegations from across the Arab world and broader region converged on Doha to pay final respects to Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani during the concluding day of official condolences at Lusail Palace. The three-day mourning period drew to a close as heads of state and senior officials honored the late Father Amir, whose 18-year reign fundamentally reshaped Qatar's regional and international standing.

The UAE sent a senior delegation led by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, accompanied by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Abu Dhabi Deputy Ruler Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Earlier visits included delegations from Ras Al Khaimah, with both its ruler and crown prince attending. Jordan's King Abdullah II traveled to Doha to offer condolences, as did Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Yemen's representation came through Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad Mohammed Al Alimi, while Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also participated in the ceremonies.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi journeyed from Tehran to convey condolences on behalf of the Iranian government, following an earlier message of sympathy to Qatar's leadership. The gathering reflected the significant diplomatic relationships and regional influence Sheikh Hamad cultivated during his tenure.

Sheikh Hamad transferred power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in 2013 after establishing Qatar as a principal architect of modern regional diplomacy. During his rule, he leveraged the nation's energy sector, global investments, media platforms, educational institutions, and sporting initiatives to elevate Qatar's international profile and position it as a key mediator in regional conflicts. The three-day condolence period at Lusail Palace accommodated visits from heads of state, senior officials, diplomats, citizens, and residents paying respects to the late leader.