HH the Amir Receives UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed at Lusail Palace

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met on Wednesday at Lusail Palace with His Highness President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who traveled to Doha to offer his condolences in person on the passing of the Late Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who died Sunday at the age of 74.

During the visit, Sheikh Mohamed extended his heartfelt condolences to the Al Thani family and the people of Qatar, praying that God grant the deceased eternal peace and give his loved ones strength and comfort, according to the UAE's official media office.

Capping a Week of Emirati Tributes

The UAE President's in-person visit crowns a sustained series of Emirati gestures of solidarity throughout Qatar's mourning period. Sheikh Mohamed had earlier conveyed his condolences to Sheikh Tamim by phone on Monday, expressing his sincere sympathy on the passing of the late Father Amir, according to state news agency WAM.

On Monday evening, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan offered condolences at Lusail Palace alongside the Crown Prince of Ajman, Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. On Tuesday, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited the palace together with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, accompanied by senior sheikhs and officials. The UAE also declared official mourning, with flags flown at half-mast at government institutions across the country and at its missions abroad.

The Final Day of Condolence Receptions

Sheikh Mohamed's visit came on the third and final scheduled day of condolence receptions at Lusail Palace, where Sheikh Tamim has received heads of state, members of the ruling family, ministers, dignitaries, ambassadors, and Qatari citizens since Monday. The receptions were attended by Qatar's Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir's Personal Representative Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Shura Council Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, and sons of the late Father Amir.

Among the world leaders received during the three days were Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the presidents of Kazakhstan, Rwanda, the Maldives, Senegal, Somalia, Mauritania, and the Comoros, alongside GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Sheikh Tamim also received phone calls from US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Deep UAE-Qatar Ties

The UAE President's personal visit underscores the strength of relations between the two Gulf neighbours, whose ties have deepened considerably in recent years across trade, investment, and regional diplomacy. The two countries have also stood together amid the ongoing regional security crisis, with the UAE repeatedly condemning attacks on Qatar and its Gulf partners in recent weeks.

Sheikh Hamad's Legacy

Widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar, Sheikh Hamad ruled from 1995 until voluntarily handing power to Sheikh Tamim in 2013 — one of the rare peaceful transfers of leadership in the Gulf. His 18 years in power saw the expansion of Qatar's liquefied natural gas industry, the founding of Al Jazeera, major global investments through the Qatar Investment Authority, and the successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Qatar declared four days of national mourning beginning Sunday, with flags at half-mast and government work suspended; employees return to work on Sunday, July 19.uae shekh m