The passing of Father Emir of the State of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong have written to the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, to convey condolences on the passing of Father Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani on 12 July 2026. The texts of their letters are appended.

Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam and Senior Advisor in the Prime Minister’s Office Teo Chee Hean will represent Singapore to convey condolences to the Qatar Royal Family at the Lusail Palace in Qatar on 14 July 2026.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 

SINGAPORE 

13 JULY 2026

Condolence Letter from President Tharman Shanmugaratnam

13 July 2026

His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani

Emir

State of Qatar

Your Highness,

It is with deep sorrow that I received the news of the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Father Emir of the State of Qatar. On behalf of the people of Singapore, I extend our deepest condolences to Your Highness, and the people of the State of Qatar.

His Highness was an exceptional statesman, whose visionary leadership transformed Qatar and elevated its standing on the global stage. Through his foresight and steadfast commitment to his country's development, he laid the foundations for Qatar's remarkable progress in a wide range of sectors including energy, media, aviation, and education. His leadership also strengthened Qatar's role as a constructive contributor to global affairs, from advancing dialogue and mediation in regional conflicts to hosting major international gatherings that fostered global cooperation. It was under His Highness’s leadership that Qatar was awarded hosting rights of the 2022 FIFA World Cup — the first nation in the Middle East to host this major sporting event.  His achievements will continue to inspire future generations of Qataris.

Singapore remembers with great appreciation His Highness's friendship and support. During his State Visits to Singapore in 2005 and 2009, His Highness helped chart a new chapter in our bilateral relations through discussions on expanding cooperation across a wide range of fields. It was also at his initiative that Singapore and Qatar established the Qatar–Singapore High-Level Joint Committee in 2006, which remains an important platform for advancing our partnership. His Highness will be remembered in Singapore as a trusted friend who played a pivotal role in strengthening the bonds between our two countries.

May Your Highness and the people of Qatar find comfort and strength in the enduring achievements of His Highness, and in the knowledge that his legacy lives on in the nation and the lives of the people he touched. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the people of Qatar during this difficult time.

Yours sincerely,

Tharman Shanmugaratnam

Condolence Letter from Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong to Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani

13 July 2026

His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani

Emir

State of Qatar

Your Highness,

It is with sadness that I learned of the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Father Emir of the State of Qatar. On behalf of the Government of Singapore, I extend our heartfelt condolences to you and to the people of Qatar during this time of national mourning.

His Highness was a visionary leader who transformed Qatar into one of the world's leading economies and a respected voice in international affairs. During his eighteen years as Emir from 1995 to 2013, Qatar harnessed its natural resources to achieve remarkable economic progress while investing in education, infrastructure, and human capital to secure the country's long-term development. Under his stewardship, Qatar grew into a globally influential power in energy, media, and diplomacy. His legacy will continue to shape Qatar's future for many years to come.

His Highness was also a good friend of Singapore. His State Visit to Singapore in 2005 marked an important milestone in our bilateral relations, and his vision led to the establishment of the Qatar–Singapore High-Level Joint Committee the following year. Over the past two decades, this platform has enabled our countries to deepen cooperation across many sectors, laying strong foundations for the close partnership we enjoy today.

Our thoughts are with Your Highness, the Royal Family, and the people of Qatar during this difficult time.

Yours sincerely,

Lawrence Wong