President Muizzu Mourns Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has expressed his deepest condolences following the passing of the former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who died at the age of 74. In a statement shared on social media, the President described the late leader as a visionary whose wisdom and leadership were pivotal to the development and progress of the State of Qatar. President Muizzu extended his sympathies to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the current Emir of Qatar, as well as the Qatari Royal Family, the government, and the people of Qatar. He prayed that Sheikh Hamad be granted eternal peace and the highest ranks of Jannatul Firdaus. Beyond his regional influence, Sheikh Hamad left a tangible legacy in the Maldives. During his reign, he played a critical role in supporting Maldivian development through strategic assistance across multiple sectors. His contributions were particularly evident in the construction and renovation of mosques across the archipelago. One of the most significant landmarks of this partnership is the Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani School in Gan, located in Laamu Atoll. Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013 and is widely regarded as the architect of the nation's modern era. His tenure saw a rapid economic and social transformation, fueled by the strategic growth of the oil and gas sector. This expansion significantly increased Qatar's gross domestic product, elevating the country to a position of leadership as a global and regional economic power. The death of the former Emir was officially announced on July 12 by the Amiri Diwan, the office of the Emir of Qatar.