Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar who transformed the Gulf nation into one of the world’s wealthiest and most influential states, has died at the age of 74.
The Qatari government announced his death on Sunday in a statement issued by the Emir’s Office, expressing condolences over what it described as a great national loss.
”With hearts steadfast in faith in God’s decree and destiny, the Bureau of the Emir mourns the passing of His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,” the statement read.
Authorities said funeral prayers would be held on Sunday evening, while government offices and public institutions would remain closed during a period of national mourning. Flags are also to be flown at half-mast.
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 after taking power in a bloodless palace coup that removed his father while he was abroad.
During his 18-year reign, he oversaw the country’s transformation from a relatively little-known Gulf state into a global economic and diplomatic force, driven largely by its vast natural gas reserves and strategic international investments.
Under his leadership, Qatar emerged as one of the world’s leading exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and became one of the richest nations globally in terms of GDP per capita.
His administration also established the Qatar Investment Authority, which invested billions of dollars in international assets, including Volkswagen, Harrods and French football giants Paris Saint-Germain.
In 1996, Sheikh Hamad authorised the launch of Al Jazeera, the Doha-based broadcaster that went on to become one of the Middle East’s most influential media organisations.
He was also emir when Qatar secured the rights to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup in 2010, although the successful bid later attracted allegations of corruption and scrutiny over the treatment of migrant workers involved in tournament preparations.
Beyond economic reforms, Qatar under Sheikh Hamad expanded its regional influence by funding major development projects across the Middle East, including infrastructure and healthcare initiatives in the Gaza Strip.
In June 2013, he made history by voluntarily stepping down in favour of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, marking one of the first peaceful transfers of power by abdication in the modern Arab world.
Qatar, which gained independence from Britain in 1971, remains a hereditary monarchy ruled by the Al Thani family. Today, the country has a population of about three million people, the majority of whom are expatriate workers.
AFP
Former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Khalifa Dies at 74
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