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GCC Leaders Gather at Lusail Palace: Who is Attending the Funeral of Qatar’s Father Amir?

Published

37 minutes ago

July 13, 2026

Shorya

The State of Qatar is in a period of National Mourning due to the Death of the Father Amir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani at 74 years. Leaders across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and elsewhere have started to descend on Doha to express their sympathy to the nation as it mourns the death of one of its most powerful leaders.

The condolences are being received by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar at the Lusail Palace, where regional goodwill and diplomatic assistance is in full display.

Kuwait Leads High-Level Delegation to Doha

His Highness’s prerogative was served by the newly appointed senior leaders, the most notable of which is the Crown Prince of Kuwait, His Royal Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, who was among the first to join.

Among the Kuwaiti delegation are First Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah as well as some Kuwaiti Ministers and High Ranking Kuwaiti Diplomatic Staff. Their presence shows that there has been a close relationship between the two countries, and it confirms the value and aspiration of the two countries to have unity in certain moments that are important in the history of the Gulf.

Lusail Palace Becomes the Centre of Regional Diplomacy

Lusail Palace has been a center of condolences with leaders from other countries visiting to express condolences to the Qatari leadership and people of Qatar.

The visit of condolence on a high-level is a symbolic engagement in the context of Gulf condolence diplomacy. They serve as more than just the occasion of paying respects, they strengthen historic political, economic, and security ties between the countries of the GCC in times of transition and remembrance.

Remembering the Father Amir’s Historic Legacy

Al Bahrain, the bank’s Chairman, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, is considered to be the Father of Modern Qatar. He oversaw the nation’s expansion into becoming one of the world’s top energy producers from 1995–2013 by lending $785 billion to the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry.

His policies were responsible for making Qatar a high-income country, and giving it substantial political and economic influence in the international arena.

Transforming Qatar’s Global Presence

In addition to economic reforms, Sheikh Hamad has contributed to boosting Qatar’s international presence. Under his guidance important institutions were created such as the Al Jazeera Media Network and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA).

He also paved the way for Qatar’s success as its host for the FIFA World Cup in 2022, a feat that had raised the country’s international profile and highlighted its growth and progress in the global arena.

Historic Peaceful Transfer of Power

One of Sheikh Hamad’s most notable actions was when he transferred leadership to his son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in 2013, a transfer that he wishes to be permanent.

Sheikh Hamad was well-received for his peaceful accession all over the region and around the world, and for his role in building up his country, he became the respected “Father Amir. His strong decision also showed political stability and continuity in Qatar’s national vision in the long term.

Why Does the GCC Presence Matters?

The presence of senior Gulf leaders to attend Lusail Palace is a strong indication that there is a sense of solidarity in the GCC. It is a representation of the close relationships which exist between the Member States despite the constantly changing situation of regional and international problems.

The condolence visits also underscore sustained cooperation in the areas of diplomacy, economic development, regional security and people-to-people relations which are defining the Gulf partnerships.

A Nation Pays Tribute

International delegations demonstrate Sheikh Hamad’s legacy and impact both regionally within the Gulf and globally. The current Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, is carrying on his father’s legacy of economic development, diplomatic efforts, and instructions that positively influence Qatar’s trajectory.

FAQs

Who was Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani?

The Amir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, is known to credit himself with changing Qatar into a world economic and diplomatic power.

Where are the condolences being received?

His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Lusail Palace in Doha is receiving official condolences.

Why is Sheikh Hamad titled the “Father Amir”?

Armed with his transformational leadership skills and decision to voluntarily pass power on to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in 2013, he is called the Father Amir.