The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani talks during the opening ceremony of Plenary Session of the High-Level Summit of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Doha on December 4, 2012. Credit: AFP
Qatar’s former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has died at the age of 74, prompting condolences from Nigeria and other countries.
Qatar’s government announced his death on Sunday, describing the former ruler as a national figure whose leadership transformed the Gulf nation.
“With hearts steadfast in faith in God’s decree and destiny, the Bureau of the Emir mourns the great loss to the nation of the late — may God have mercy on him — His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,” the emir’s office said in a statement posted on social media.
Qatari authorities said funeral prayers would be held on Sunday evening, while several days of national mourning had been declared.
