Key facts
- Former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, died at age 74.
- He ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, transforming it into a global player in diplomacy, energy, and media.
- Key initiatives during his reign included the launch of Al Jazeera and Qatar's emergence as a leading LNG exporter.
- He voluntarily abdicated power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in 2013.
- His government played a significant role in regional mediation and invested heavily in international business and infrastructure.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former emir of Qatar who ruled from 1995 to 2013, has died at the age of 74. The Amiri Diwan, Qatar's royal court, announced his death on Sunday, mourning the "great loss to the nation."
During his 18-year rule, Sheikh Hamad transformed Qatar from a small Gulf state into a significant global player in diplomacy, energy, and media. He oversaw the launch of the Al Jazeera network in 1996, the adoption of Qatar's first permanent constitution in 2004, and the expansion of its liquefied natural gas exports, making it the world's leading exporter. He also initiated municipal elections that allowed women to vote and run for office.
Sheikh Hamad established Qatar as a regional mediator, playing diplomatic roles in various conflicts across the Middle East and beyond. His government also made substantial investments in international business, aviation, infrastructure, and sports, notably laying the groundwork for Qatar's hosting of the 2022 Fifa World Cup. He voluntarily abdicated power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in 2013, a move that was unusual in the region.
He came to power in 1995 by deposing his father, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, in a bloodless coup. Tributes have poured in from regional leaders, including the presidents of Egypt and Pakistan, and the UAE president, who lauded Sheikh Hamad's "visionary leadership" and contributions to Qatar's development and regional cooperation. Sheikh Hamad remained a respected figure after leaving office.