President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has arrived in the State of Qatar on an official visit to convey condolences on behalf of the Government and people of the Maldives following the passing of Qatar’s former Amir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Upon his arrival at Hamad International Airport in Doha, President Muizzu and the accompanying Maldivian delegation were received by Qatar’s Minister of Transport, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani. The President was also welcomed by the Ambassador of the Republic of Maldives to the State of Qatar, His Excellency Adam Shareef Umar.
During the visit, President Muizzu met the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at Lusail Palace and personally conveyed the heartfelt condolences and sympathies of the Maldivian state and its people. The President also expressed solidarity with members of the Royal Family and the brotherly people of Qatar during the period of national mourning.
The meeting was attended by senior members of the Qatari Royal Family and leadership, including the Deputy Amir, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani; the Personal Representative of the Amir, His Highness Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani; and the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. Members of the family of the late former Amir and other senior Qatari officials were also present.
President Muizzu joined heads of state, senior government representatives and dignitaries from around the world who travelled to Doha to pay their respects and offer condolences to the Qatari leadership. His participation reflects the close friendship between the Maldives and Qatar and the importance the Maldives places on maintaining strong relations with Qatar and the wider Islamic world.
His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani passed away on Sunday, 12 July 2026, at the age of 74. He served as Amir of Qatar from 1995 until 2013, leading the country during an important period of national development before transferring authority to his son, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Sheikh Hamad’s 18-year leadership was closely associated with Qatar’s transformation into a modern, internationally connected and economically influential nation. His administration oversaw the rapid development of the country’s natural gas industry, enabling Qatar to become one of the world’s leading exporters of liquefied natural gas and providing the economic foundation for major investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and public services.
Qatar’s international presence also expanded considerably during his tenure. The country strengthened its participation in regional and global diplomacy, established itself as a host for international dialogue and developed an extensive portfolio of investments across major global markets. Qatar’s growing diplomatic role enabled it to contribute to discussions and mediation efforts concerning regional and international issues.
The former Amir’s period of leadership also witnessed the development of Qatar’s global media sector, the expansion of its international aviation industry and the advancement of Doha as a major business, travel and cultural destination. Qatar Airways grew into a globally recognised carrier, while Hamad International Airport later became an important international gateway connecting passengers across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas.
Qatar’s successful campaign to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup was another defining achievement associated with the country’s growing international profile. The tournament accelerated investment in transportation, urban development, hospitality and sporting infrastructure and introduced millions of visitors and viewers worldwide to Qatar’s culture, traditions and national development.
President Muizzu had earlier extended condolences to the Qatari leadership following the announcement of the former Amir’s passing. He described Sheikh Hamad as a respected leader whose vision and service contributed significantly to Qatar’s progress, prosperity and international standing.
The Maldives and Qatar formally established diplomatic relations on 26 May 1984. Relations were temporarily suspended in June 2017 during the Gulf diplomatic crisis and were restored on 15 March 2021 following regional reconciliation. Since then, both countries have continued to strengthen their engagement through diplomatic exchanges, international cooperation and participation in Islamic and multilateral forums.
The relationship has also been supported by growing institutional and people-to-people connections. The establishment of a resident Maldivian diplomatic mission in Doha has provided further opportunities to expand cooperation and facilitate services for Maldivians living in or travelling to Qatar.
Air connectivity remains an important component of bilateral relations. Qatar Airways’ regular services between Doha and the Maldives support the Maldivian tourism sector by connecting the island nation with key international markets through Hamad International Airport. These services also provide convenient travel options for Maldivians and international visitors while contributing to trade, tourism and broader economic engagement between the two countries.
President Muizzu’s visit communicates the sympathy and solidarity of the Maldivian people with Qatar at a time of national grief. It also reflects the enduring bonds of friendship, mutual respect and Islamic solidarity shared by the Maldives and Qatar.
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