Qatar's former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar who transformed the small Gulf nation into a global economic power, has died at the age of 74, the Qatari government announced on Sunday.
In a statement, the Emiri Diwan said: 'The Bureau of the Emir mourns the great loss to the nation of the late, may God have mercy on him.' No cause of death was given.
Sheikh Hamad came to power in June 1995 after deposing his father, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, in a bloodless coup. He is widely credited with modernizing Qatar's economy and leveraging its vast natural gas reserves to make the country one of the wealthiest per capita in the world.
Under his rule, Qatar also established itself as a diplomatic and media hub, including the launch of the Al Jazeera network in 1996. He voluntarily abdicated in favour of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on June 25, 2013.
Sheikh Hamad's tenure saw significant infrastructure development and international investment. He also hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup bid process during his final years in power, though the tournament was awarded to Qatar after his abdication.
His death marks the end of an era for Qatar, as the nation continues its development under his son's leadership.
