Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Dies at 74

Qatar’s former ruler, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has died at the age of 74. The country’s top government body, the Amiri Diwan, announced his passing on Sunday morning, offering prayers for his soul and thanking him for his service to the nation.

The Man Who Built Modern Qatar

Sheikh Hamad governed Qatar from 1995 until 2013, transforming a small, little known Gulf state into a major player on the world stage. He came to power through a bloodless coup against his own father and went on to steer the country toward remarkable economic and diplomatic growth.

Legacy Through Media and Sport

During his rule, Sheikh Hamad launched the Al Jazeera television network, giving Qatar a powerful voice in global media. His leadership also secured Qatar’s winning bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, cementing the nation’s place in international sport and business.

A Global Energy and Diplomatic Power

Under his direction, Qatar became the world’s top exporter of liquefied natural gas and grew into a serious investment force. Despite its small population of just over 2.5 million, the country carved out an outsized role in Middle East diplomacy.

In June 2013, Sheikh Hamad handed power to his son, Sheikh Tamim, in a voluntary transfer that was unusual among hereditary Gulf rulers. Sheikh Tamim continues to lead Qatar today.