Qatar has laid Father Emir Sheikh Hamad to rest, honoring the visionary leader whose reforms, energy strategy, and global diplomacy transformed the tiny Gulf nation into a powerhouse.
DOHA: Qatar has laid Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to rest following a simple Islamic funeral, bringing to a close the remarkable journey of the leader widely credited with transforming the Gulf state into one of the world’s richest, most influential, and diplomatically powerful nations.
The former ruler, who died at the age of 74, was buried on Sunday after funeral prayers at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque in Doha. Hundreds of mourners, including members of the ruling family, senior officials, and citizens, gathered to pay their final respects before he was laid to rest at Lusail Cemetery.
His son and successor, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, joined family members in carrying the coffin, reflecting the simplicity that marked the funeral despite Sheikh Hamad’s extraordinary legacy.
The man who reshaped modern Qatar
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, a period that fundamentally changed the country’s economic and political landscape.
Under his leadership, Qatar accelerated the development of its vast natural gas reserves, becoming the world’s leading exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The country’s economy expanded dramatically, transforming Qatar into one of the world’s wealthiest nations with significant global influence.
His leadership also strengthened Qatar’s diplomatic standing, with the country emerging as a trusted mediator in regional and international conflicts.
A lasting impact on global media
Beyond energy and diplomacy, Sheikh Hamad is remembered for launching Al Jazeera in 1996, a move that revolutionized Arabic-language television journalism and established one of the world’s most influential international news networks.
His government also introduced major political reforms, including Qatar’s first permanent constitution in 2004, and expanded opportunities for women to vote and contest municipal elections.
A rare peaceful transfer of power
In 2013, Sheikh Hamad voluntarily handed power to his son, Sheikh Tamim, becoming one of the few Gulf rulers to peacefully abdicate while still alive. The transition was widely viewed as a landmark moment in the region’s modern political history.
Since news of his death broke, tributes have poured in from leaders across the Middle East and beyond, praising his vision, leadership, and role in shaping modern Qatar.
Sheikh Hamad’s legacy extends far beyond Qatar. His policies reshaped global energy markets, strengthened the country’s international influence, and helped position Qatar as a key diplomatic player and host of major global events, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
As Qatar observes a period of national mourning, the Father Emir is being remembered not only as a former ruler but as the architect of the country’s modern identity and global success.
