Former Qatari emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the architect of Qatar’s remarkable transformation into a global energy, media and diplomatic powerhouse, has died at the age of 74.
WEBDESK – MEDIABITES – REUTERS
DUBAI: Qatar’s former emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who transformed the Gulf nation from a modest Bedouin state into one of the world’s most influential countries, has died at the age of 74, the Amiri Diwan announced on Sunday.
The official statement said Sheikh Hamad, widely known as the Father Amir, passed away 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 Amiri Diwan said in a statement.
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013 after taking power in a bloodless coup that removed his father. In a rare move among Gulf monarchs, he voluntarily abdicated in June 2013, handing power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who remains Qatar’s emir.
During his 18-year reign, Sheikh Hamad oversaw Qatar’s dramatic rise on the global stage. Under his leadership, the country became the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), significantly boosting its economy and international influence.
He also played a pivotal role in establishing Al Jazeera as one of the world’s leading news networks, helping position Qatar as a major force in global media.
His government expanded Qatar’s diplomatic footprint, making the Gulf state a key mediator in regional and international conflicts while strengthening ties with Western allies, including the United States.
One of Sheikh Hamad’s most significant achievements was securing Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, making it the first Middle Eastern country to stage football’s biggest tournament.
Despite its population of just over 2.5 million, Qatar emerged under his leadership as a major investor worldwide and an influential player in Middle East diplomacy.
Tributes are expected from leaders across the Gulf, the wider Middle East, and the international community as Qatar mourns one of the country’s most influential modern leaders.
