Doha continued to receive a steady stream of international dignitaries on Wednesday as Qatar marked the third day of national mourning for Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former emir who died on Sunday at the age of 74. Among those paying their respects were senior representatives from several European capitals, underscoring the late ruler's role in elevating Qatar's global standing.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Britain's Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, were among the European figures who arrived in the Qatari capital. Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili also travelled to Doha, reflecting the breadth of Sheikh Hamad's international relationships.
A Legacy of Transformation
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, a period during which he oversaw a dramatic expansion of the country's liquefied natural gas production, making it the world's largest LNG exporter. He also secured Qatar's successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup and built Qatar Airways into a major global carrier. His reign positioned the small Gulf emirate as a key mediator in regional conflicts and a significant player in international diplomacy.
The European delegations arrived alongside leaders from the Middle East and beyond. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was expected in Doha, a visit that comes amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington following renewed military exchanges in the Gulf. Earlier on Wednesday, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Jordan's King Abdullah II, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas paid their respects, highlighting Sheikh Hamad's longstanding ties across the region.
Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye also arrived, representing Qatar's connections with African heads of state. The latest arrivals followed visits on Tuesday by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Swiss Vice President Ignazio Cassis, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani also flew into Doha.
Qatar declared four days of national mourning following Sheikh Hamad's death. Flags have flown at half-mast across the country, and government offices have remained closed throughout the period. Thursday marks the final day of the official mourning, though further visits by international dignitaries are expected as tributes continue.
The gathering of world leaders in Doha underscores the enduring influence of Sheikh Hamad, who used Qatar's wealth to forge alliances across continents. His death has prompted reflection on his legacy, which includes not only economic transformation but also a controversial role in supporting Islamist movements and media outlets like Al Jazeera, which reshaped the region's information landscape.
For European observers, the event highlights the strategic importance of Qatar as an energy supplier and diplomatic interlocutor. As the continent seeks to diversify its energy sources following the war in Ukraine, Qatar's role as a major LNG exporter remains critical. The presence of senior European officials at the mourning ceremonies signals the continued relevance of Doha in European foreign policy calculations.
