Qatar's Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani passes away; India observes state mourning
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir of Qatar who ruled from 1995 to 2013, passed away on 12 July 2026 at 74; India declared one day of State Mourning on 13 July 2026.
Summary
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir of the State of Qatar, passed away on 12 July 2026 at the age of 74, the Amiri Diwan announced. Sheikh Hamad assumed power on 27 June 1995 and handed over leadership to his heir apparent, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on 25 June 2013, a rare voluntary abdication by a Gulf ruler. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his passing, recalling meeting him during his visit to Qatar in February 2024. The Government of India declared one day of State Mourning throughout India on 13 July 2026, with the National Flag flown at half-mast and no official entertainment.
Key facts
- Died
- 12 July 2026, aged 74
- Reign
- 27 June 1995 â 25 June 2013
- Successor
- Son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (handed over 25 June 2013)
- India's response
- One day State Mourning on 13 July 2026; flag at half-mast
- PM Modi
- Met him during Qatar visit in February 2024
Practice MCQs 4 questions
On which date did India observe one day of State Mourning for Qatar's Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani?
Show answer
Correct answer: B â 13 July 2026
Sheikh Hamad passed away on 12 July 2026; India declared State Mourning on 13 July 2026.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away in July 2026, ruled Qatar during which period?
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Correct answer: D â 1995â2013
He assumed power on 27 June 1995 and handed over to Sheikh Tamim on 25 June 2013.
To whom did Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani hand over Qatar's leadership in 2013?
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Correct answer: A â His son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
In 2013 he voluntarily handed power to his son and heir apparent, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the current Amir.
Consider the following statements about India's State Mourning for Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani: 1. The National Flag was flown at half-mast throughout India on the day of mourning. 2. There was no official entertainment on that day. 3. The State Mourning lasted three days. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C â 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: the Ministry of Home Affairs declared one day of State Mourning, on 13 July 2026.