Qatar’s former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74 after transforming the Gulf state into a global power.
Qatar’s former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has died at the age of 74, the nation’s Amiri Diwan announced on Sunday.
“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 Diwan said.
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 before handing power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in a rare voluntary abdication by a hereditary Gulf Arab ruler.
During his reign, he transformed Qatar from a small Bedouin state into a major regional and global player. He expanded the country’s influence through the launch of the Al Jazeera television network and secured Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Qatar, a close US ally, is the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas and has become a key player in Middle East diplomacy and global investment.
Sheikh Hamad came to power in 1995 after removing his father in a bloodless coup. Eighteen years later, he stepped down in favour of his son to ensure a smooth transition of power.