Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, expressed his sorrow on the social network X over the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Father Emir of the State of Qatar.

“With profound sorrow, we learned the sad news of the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Father Emir of the State of Qatar, a prominent statesman who contributed decisively to the development of the modern and vibrant State of Qatar, as well as to the historic ties of friendship and solidarity between our nations,” Díaz-Canel wrote.

The Cuban president added that “he was a close friend of the Cuban people and of the Commander-in-Chief. Cuba shares the grief that overwhelms the friendly Qatari people and extends its heartfelt condolences to the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, to his family, to the government, and to that brotherly nation.”

Meanwhile, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, also expressed his sentiments via the same social network: “We mourn the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Father Emir of the State of Qatar. We recognize his contribution to the development of the historic bonds of friendship and solidarity between both nations. Heartfelt condolences to the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, to his family, and to the Qatari government and people.”

Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani passed away this July 12, 2026, at the age of 74, as confirmed by the Amiri Diwan, the official office of the Qatari Royal House.

During his reign, between 1995 and 2013, he spearheaded the country's modernization, consolidated Qatar as a global energy powerhouse, and promoted an active foreign policy. Notable among his initiatives were the creation of the Qatar Foundation and the Al Jazeera network—institutions that expanded the emirate's cultural and media influence.

After abdicating in favor of his son, Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, in 2013, he assumed the title of Father Emir and maintained a role as a moral and political reference point.

The announcement of his passing was accompanied by a decree declaring four days of national mourning, featuring flags flown at half-mast and the suspension of official activities, reflecting the respect and lasting significance of his figure in the country's collective memory.