The Cuban regime has declared an official mourning period in response to the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Father Emir of Qatar, who passed away at 74 on Sunday, as confirmed by the Qatari royal court.
According to an announcement on the state-run Canal Caribe, the mourning will commence at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, July 13, and conclude at midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. During this time, the Cuban flag will be flown at half-mast on all public and military buildings across the island.
Miguel Díaz-Canel extended his condolences via his account on the social network X, describing the deceased as "a statesman who played a decisive role in developing the modern and dynamic state of Qatar" and emphasized that "he was a dear friend to the Cuban people and the commander-in-chief Fidel Castro Ruz."
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz also shared his sorrow on social media over the loss of the former Qatari leader.
Historical Ties Between Cuba and Qatar
The Cuban government's official statement highlighted that Sheikh Hamad "showed a special affection for Cuba and its people throughout his life" and "cultivated a close friendship with the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, which fortified the historic relations of friendship and cooperation existing between the two nations today."
Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani ruled Qatar for 17 years, from June 1995—after taking power in a peaceful coup against his father—until his voluntary abdication in June 2013, passing leadership to his son, the current Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
Qatar's Transformation Under Sheikh Hamad
During his rule, Sheikh Hamad transformed Qatar into a global powerhouse in liquefied natural gas and founded the Al Jazeera television network in 1996, while driving significant modernization in the country.
His connection with Cuba was demonstrated through tangible gestures: during his first visit to the island in September 2000, he was awarded the José Martí Order, the highest distinction granted by the Cuban state.
The most evident symbol of this bilateral relationship is the Cuban Hospital in Dukhan, inaugurated on January 10, 2012, with Sheikh Hamad in attendance, described by the Cuban government as "a symbol of the brotherhood between both states and peoples and a reference center for the excellence of its services."
Medical Collaboration Amidst Local Challenges
Medical cooperation between the two countries intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic: Cuba dispatched 229 healthcare workers to Qatar in April 2020 and a third brigade of 156 specialists in March 2021, while the Henry Reeve Brigade treated over 270,000 patients in Qatar between 2020 and 2022.
In November 2022, Cuba also deployed doctors in Qatar during the World Cup at the Aisha Bint Hamad Al Attiyah Hospital, further showcasing the depth of this bilateral relationship.
However, these deployments of healthcare professionals—under conditions of labor exploitation—contrast starkly with the shortage of personnel in Cuban health institutions, which are increasingly deteriorating.
Cuba and Qatar established diplomatic relations on December 13, 1989, and Qatar was the first Gulf country to open an embassy in Havana, in September 2001.
The two-day mourning declared by Cuban authorities for the passing of the Qatari Emir raises eyebrows, especially when compared to the mere 18 hours of mourning for Ramiro Valdés, a historical figure of the Castro regime.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates declared a four-day official mourning period following Sheikh Hamad's death, as reported by the Qatari news agency QNA.
The Cuban government also extended its condolences to Qatar's current Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, "extended to his family, friends of the deceased, and the Qatari government and people," according to the official statement released on Sunday.
Understanding Cuba-Qatar Relations
Why did Cuba declare a mourning period for Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani?
Cuba declared a mourning period to honor Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani's contributions to Qatar's development and his close friendship with Cuban leader Fidel Castro, reflecting the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations.
How did Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani influence Qatar's relationship with Cuba?
Sheikh Hamad fostered a deep friendship with Fidel Castro, which strengthened the bilateral relations between Qatar and Cuba, leading to significant cooperation, particularly in healthcare and cultural exchanges.
What role did Sheikh Hamad play in Qatar's transformation?
Under Sheikh Hamad's rule, Qatar emerged as a major player in global liquefied natural gas markets and underwent substantial modernization efforts, including the founding of the influential Al Jazeera network.