12.07.2026 08:50
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar, has passed away at the age of 74. Ruling the country from 1995 to 2013, Sheikh Hamad played a key role in transforming Qatar into a global player in diplomacy, media, education, and sports by using natural gas revenues for economic diversification. Al Thani, who had been undergoing treatment for a long time, handed over governance to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in 2013.
Qatar's former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has passed away at the age of 74.
In a statement from the Qatari Emiri Diwan, it was announced that Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, father of the current Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, passed away in the morning hours.
The statement extended prayers for the late former emir, who had been undergoing long-term treatment, and conveyed condolences to his family and the people of Qatar.
RULED QATAR FROM 1995 TO 2013
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani assumed the position of Emir of Qatar in 1995. After ruling the country for approximately 18 years, he handed over his duties to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in 2013, marking a rare voluntary transfer of power in the Gulf region.
TRANSFORMED QATAR INTO A GLOBAL ACTOR
During his tenure, Sheikh Hamad made Qatar's natural gas revenues the engine of its economy, allocating substantial resources to the country's infrastructure, education, and international investments. He was regarded as one of the leaders who enhanced Qatar's regional and global influence by adopting a more active foreign policy.
Under Sheikh Hamad's rule, who also played a significant role in transforming Al Jazeera into an international media organization, Qatar stood out globally in the fields of diplomacy, energy, and sports. The foundations for the country's hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup were also laid during his emirate.
WHO IS HE?
Born in 1952, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani belonged to Qatar's Al Thani dynasty. Having received military training, Hamad held various positions in defense and security for many years. After becoming Emir of Qatar in 1995, he spearheaded comprehensive economic and institutional reforms in his country. He stepped away from active politics by transferring power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in 2013.