Maldives’ leader departs for Doha to join in mourning Qatar’s former emir

Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has departed for Qatar on an official visit.

He left for Doha on Monday morning.

According to the President’s Office, the purpose of the visit is to join the Qatar royal family in mourning the passing of the country’s former emir Sheikh Hamad bin ⁠Khalifa Al Thani.

Sheikh Hamad, the architect of Qatar’s transformation into an ultra-wealthy modern nation with global influence, died at the age of 74.

His death was announced on Sunday morning, and he was laid to rest in Doha after a simple funeral ceremony was held after the daily evening prayer at sunset at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque.

President’s Office states that during his visit, President Muizzu will pay respects to Qatar’s current emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the rest of the royal family.

Other foreign dignitaries are also expected to arrive in Qatar to join the royal family in mourning the late former emir, added the office.

The President’s Office did not say when he would return back to Male’.