On July 13, 2026, President Kagame was received at the Emir’s Office by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to whom he personally conveyed his condolences following the death of his father.
The reception was also attended by several senior members of the Qatari royal family, including Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Khalifa Al Thani, Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, and Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Also present were Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and the Speaker of the Shura Council, Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim.
Sheikh Hamad passed away on July 12, 2026. His family has not publicly disclosed the cause of his death.
In his message of condolence, President Kagame described Sheikh Hamad as a visionary leader whose dedication to serving his people and strengthening international friendship and cooperation would be remembered for generations.
“His legacy of service to his people and commitment to fostering friendship and cooperation among nations will endure for generations. During this difficult time, the people of Rwanda and I stand in solidarity with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and our Qatari brothers and sisters,” President Kagame said.
Sheikh Hamad is widely credited with transforming Qatar into one of the world’s leading economies and an influential player in international affairs. During his 18 years in office, the country experienced remarkable growth in economic development, infrastructure, public welfare, and cultural investment, largely driven by its energy resources.
Under his leadership, relations between Rwanda and Qatar also expanded significantly, with the two countries deepening cooperation in investment, aviation, security, and economic development. That partnership has continued to grow under the leadership of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who succeeded his father in 2013.
