President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu departed for Doha this morning to convey official condolences on behalf of the Maldivian government and its people following the passing of the former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

According to the President’s Office, the President is scheduled to meet with the current Emir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, during this official visit. The late Sheikh Hamad’s funeral and burial ceremonies were held yesterday.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, is widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar. Under his visionary leadership, the nation underwent a radical economic and political transformation, becoming one of the world’s wealthiest and most influential states. His significant global contributions include the establishment of the Al Jazeera Media Network in 1996 and successfully bidding for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He abdicated the throne in 2013, voluntarily transferring power to his son, Sheikh Tamim.

The late Emir maintained a close and supportive relationship with the Maldives. His legacy in the country is marked by several key infrastructure projects funded by Qatar, including the Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani School in L. Gan, which opened in 1998, and the construction of the Masjid al-Sheikh Qasim bin Al-Thani in Hulhumalé.