Key facts
- Former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, died at age 74.
- He ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, overseeing significant economic, social, and cultural changes.
- Sheikh Hamad is credited with establishing Qatar as a global player in diplomacy and investment.
- He abdicated power to his son, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who is the current ruler.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former emir of Qatar, has died at the age of 74. The Amiri Diwan, Qatar's official administrative office, announced his death on Sunday morning, stating, "May God have mercy on him, His Highness the Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away this morning."
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, during which time he is credited with bringing about significant economic, social, and cultural changes. He established the nation as a global player in diplomacy and investment. Born in 1952, he studied at the UK's Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and later joined the Qatar Armed Forces before becoming defence minister. He was named heir apparent in the late 1970s.
He abdicated power to his son, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who is the current ruler of Qatar.