DUBAI The Amiri Diwan has announced the passing away of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Qatar is mourning the loss of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir of the State of Qatar, who passed away at the age of 74. Sheikh Hamad led the country’s transformation into a global hub for diplomacy, energy, education and sport during his reign as Amir from 1995 to 2013. His passing marks the end of a defining chapter in the nation’s history. See less
- Qatari former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at the age of 74, the nation’s Amiri Diwan, its top government body, said on Sunday.
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How Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Transformed Qatar’s Future
Former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has passed away at the age of 74. He is widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar, having transformed the small Gulf state into one of the world’s wealthiest and most influential nations during his reign.
According to the Arab broadcaster Al Jazeera, Sheikh Hamad assumed power in 1995 and launched ambitious development initiatives that reshaped the country. By leveraging Qatar’s vast natural gas reserves, he introduced sweeping reforms across the economy, education, politics, and social sectors, driving remarkable economic growth.
Official figures show that Qatar’s gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by more than 24 times during his rule. Following increased production from the North Gas Field, Qatar became the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by 2006. The country’s LNG production capacity eventually reached 77 million tonnes per year.
Several landmark institutions and initiatives were established under Sheikh Hamad’s leadership. In 1996, Al Jazeera News Channel was launched, the Qatar Foundation was established, and in 2004 the country adopted its first permanent constitution. Municipal elections were also introduced, granting women the right to vote and stand as candidates.
His leadership also secured Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, making it the first Arab nation to stage football’s biggest global tournament.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was born in Doha in January 1952. He graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom before becoming commander of Qatar’s armed forces. In 1977, he was appointed Crown Prince and Minister of Defence, and on June 27, 1995, he became Emir of Qatar.
In 2013, Sheikh Hamad voluntarily handed over power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in what was widely viewed as a rare and peaceful political transition in the region.
Speaking at the time of the transfer of power, Sheikh Hamad said: “The future lies before you, children of the nation. You are entering a new era in which a new generation of leadership will proudly carry the country’s flag.”
Sheikh Hamad also elevated Qatar’s role in global diplomacy. Under his leadership, the country mediated several major international conflicts, including the Darfur conflict in Sudan, Lebanon’s political crisis, and disputes between the Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah.
Qatar also played a significant role in Afghanistan. During the final years of Sheikh Hamad’s rule, the country opened a political office for the Taliban, paving the way for negotiations between the United States and the Taliban that ultimately led to the 2021 agreement on the withdrawal of US and NATO forces from Afghanistan.
During the Arab Spring, Qatar was among the few countries to openly support popular protest movements. In Egypt, Al Jazeera continued covering demonstrations despite government restrictions.
Regarding Syria, Qatar initially urged President Bashar al-Assad to halt the crackdown on protesters and step down. It later severed diplomatic ties with the Syrian government.
In Libya, Qatar supported NATO’s military intervention, which ultimately led to the fall of longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi.
The Palestinian cause remained especially important to Sheikh Hamad. One of his final official visits was to Gaza, where he became the first head of state to visit the territory in more than a decade.
The passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is being regarded as a significant event not only for Qatar but for the wider region. His economic, political, and diplomatic vision played a defining role in shaping the Qatar that exists today.