Doha came to a standstill on Sunday as mourners gathered at the Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahab Mosque to attend the funeral prayers for the late Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Following the solemn service, he was laid to rest at Lusail Cemetery, marking a poignant end to a transformative era in Qatari history. In honor of his legacy, the nation has entered a four-day period of national mourning with flags flying at half-mast, while neighboring countries including the UAE, Kuwait, and Jordan have also joined in solidarity. As a result of the mourning period, government operations and public institutions will remain suspended until July 19.

Sheikh Hamad, who led the nation from 1995 until his abdication in 2013, is widely credited with architecting Qatar’s rise from a modest emirate into a global economic and political powerhouse. By leveraging the nation’s vast natural gas reserves and establishing the Qatar Investment Authority, he turned the country into one of the wealthiest states per capita. His visionary leadership extended beyond finance, as he elevated Qatar’s international standing through the launch of Al Jazeera, successful bids for major events like the 2022 World Cup, and significant diplomatic initiatives. Having handed the throne to his son, the current Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, over a decade ago, he leaves behind a legacy defined by rapid modernization and a permanent seat for Qatar on the world stage.