Qatar's Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Dies at 74
- Southerton Business Times
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
By Percy Nhara | Southerton Business Times
DOHA – Qatar's former ruler, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has died at the age of 74, the Amiri Diwan announced on Sunday, marking the end of an era for the leader widely credited with transforming the Gulf nation into a global economic, diplomatic and media powerhouse.
"With hearts steadfast in faith in God's decree and destiny, the Amiri Diwan mourns the great loss to the nation of the late may God have mercy on him His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away this morning," the royal court said in a statement.
Qatar declared four days of national mourning, with flags lowered to half-mast and government offices and public institutions closed in his honour.
Sheikh Hamad came to power in June 1995 after peacefully deposing his father, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, while the latter was abroad. The bloodless transfer of power reshaped Qatar's trajectory, although it remained a subject of political debate throughout his reign.
During his 18 years in office, Sheikh Hamad oversaw the rapid development of Qatar's vast liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, turning the country into one of the world's wealthiest nations by per-capita income. Revenues from natural gas exports financed major infrastructure projects, sovereign wealth investments and an ambitious foreign policy that elevated Qatar's international influence.
One of his most enduring legacies was the launch of Al Jazeera in 1996. The Doha-based broadcaster transformed Arabic-language news coverage and later expanded into a global media network.
"He was the visionary behind the original idea and the one who laid the foundations of this great media institution," Al Jazeera Media Network Director-General Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal Al Thani said in a tribute.
Sheikh Hamad also strengthened Qatar's strategic partnership with the United States by expanding Al Udeid Air Base, which later became the forward headquarters of U.S. Central Command and remains the largest American military installation in the Middle East.
His administration established the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) in 2005, helping the country acquire major international assets including stakes in Volkswagen, Barclays, Harrods, The Shard, Canary Wharf and French football club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). These investments positioned Qatar as one of the world's most influential sovereign investors.
Domestically, his reign saw the adoption of Qatar's first permanent constitution in 2004 and the introduction of municipal elections in which women could vote and contest public office.
In 2013, Sheikh Hamad voluntarily transferred power to his son, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in a rare abdication by a hereditary Gulf ruler.
His tenure was not without controversy. Critics questioned Qatar's human rights record, its hosting of political groups, and allegations surrounding the successful bid for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Investigations into the World Cup bidding process generated years of scrutiny, although FIFA has consistently maintained the tournament award stands. Likewise, Al Jazeera's editorial coverage and Qatar's regional diplomacy often drew criticism from some governments while earning praise from others.
Assistant Professor of International Affairs at Qatar University Abdulla Banndar el Etaibi described Sheikh Hamad as "someone who left a legacy all over the world, not only in Qatar."
Tributes poured in from world leaders, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who extended condolences to Qatar's leadership and people following the former emir's death. Sheikh Hamad leaves behind a legacy that fundamentally reshaped Qatar's economy, diplomacy, media landscape and global profile, ensuring the small Gulf state became an influential player in international affairs.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies