The Embassy of the State of Qatar in Kuwait hosted a condolence ceremony on July 13 where diplomats signed a book of condolences and voiced appreciation for the contributions of the late Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. European Union Ambassador Anne Koistinen expressed deepest condolences while noting that ties between the EU and Qatar remain characterized by strength and closeness. Koistinen added that the deceased served as a moderate voice in the region and played a central role in the modernization and development of Qatar that strengthened its regional and international position. United States Chargé d’Affaires Steven Butler conveyed profound sadness at the news and described Sheikh Hamad as a visionary leader who built modern Qatar. Butler recalled his own first diplomatic posting in Doha and stated that the late ruler’s memory would remain alive through the institutions he established.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kuwait Ghada Al-Taher offered sincere condolences on behalf of the global body according to participants at the embassy event. Jordanian Ambassador Sinan Al-Majali stressed that the Father Amir left an indelible mark on Qatar’s development and served as a strong supporter of Arab cooperation. Al-Majali conveyed Jordan’s deepest condolences to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Qatari people while Egyptian Ambassador Mohamed Abu Al-Wafa expressed profound grief over the loss.
Omani Ambassador Dr. Saleh bin Amer Al-Kharousi described Sheikh Hamad as one of the well-known leaders of Qatar’s renaissance who played a vital role in supporting the GCC and strengthening Gulf action. Bahraini Ambassador Salah Al-Maliki called the passing a great loss for Qatar and the wider Arab and Islamic nations noting that the late ruler dedicated his life to serving his country and achieving its renaissance. Ambassador of Türkiye Tuba Nur Sönmez affirmed that relations between her country and Qatar represent a unique strategic partnership model in which Sheikh Hamad played a vital role.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 according to official biographies distributed by the Qatari government. During that period he oversaw the establishment of Al Jazeera and guided the country toward major infrastructure projects that transformed its economy. World Bank data shows Qatar’s GDP per capita rose sharply under his leadership placing the country among the highest in the world by the time of his abdication.
The ceremony reflected the strong diplomatic ties between Kuwait and Qatar which have endured through shared GCC membership and mutual support during regional challenges a pattern documented in annual Gulf Cooperation Council reports. Several envoys at the event referenced the late leader’s emphasis on education health care and international mediation as lasting elements of his legacy. The condolences received at the embassy will be conveyed to Qatari authorities in Doha in the coming days.
