Former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Dies at 74
Qatar’s former emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who transformed the country from a small Bedouin state into a regional powerhouse, has died at 74, the Amiri Diwan announced on Sunday.
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 before stepping down in favor of his son, Sheikh Tamim, the current emir.
“The Amiri Diwan announced the death of HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani on Sunday morning. May Allah have mercy on his soul and grant him the best reward for what he achieved for his homeland and nation,” the statement said.
During his reign, Sheikh Hamad raised Qatar’s global profile by launching the Al Jazeera news network and securing the country’s bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Despite its small population of just over 2.5 million, the U.S.-allied Gulf nation became the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, a major global investor, and a key player in Middle East diplomacy and media.
Sheikh Hamad took power in a bloodless coup against his father in 1995. In a rare move for the region, he voluntarily abdicated in June 2013 to ensure a smooth succession to his son.