President Departs for Qatar to Offer Condolences Over Passing of Sheikh Hamad
President Mohamed Muizzu during the 8th presidential press briefing held this year.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu departed for the State of Qatar today on an official visit to convey condolences following the passing of former Qatari Amir His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
The visit is being undertaken to pay respects on behalf of the people of the Maldives and President Muizzu to the current Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Royal Family, and the people of Qatar following the death of Sheikh Hamad yesterday.
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The President also issued a directive ordering the national flag to be flown at half-mast for one day as a mark of mourning following Sheikh Hamad’s death.
Under Presidential Directive No. 14/2026, the national flag will remain at half-mast from 12:00 p.m. today until 12:00 p.m tomorrow.
The former Amir’s passing has prompted condolences from leaders and dignitaries around the world, with foreign officials expected to travel to Qatar to join the Royal Family in mourning.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani served as the Amir of Qatar from 1995 until his abdication in favour of Sheikh Tamim in 2013.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 before transferring power to his son Sheikh Tamim, is credited with overseeing the country’s rapid economic transformation and expansion of its global influence.
During his reign, Qatar developed major infrastructure projects, strengthened its diplomatic and economic position internationally, and expanded its role in regional and global affairs.
Sheikh Hamad died at the age of 74, according to international media reports. He remained an influential figure in Qatar following his abdication in 2013, when Sheikh Tamim assumed leadership of the country.
