Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former emir who ruled Qatar for almost two decades and reshaped the small Gulf state into an energy-rich global player, has died aged 74. He was laid to rest in Doha following a simple Islamic ceremony.
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Key facts
- Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died at the age of 74.
- He ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, taking power after a bloodless coup against his father in 1996.
- He was widely credited as a key architect of Qatar's development into a gas-rich power.
- He was buried in Doha after a simple Islamic ceremony, according to Al Jazeera.
- Global leaders offered condolences and praised his legacy and Qatar's growth.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former emir of Qatar, has died at the age of 74, according to reports from the BBC and Al Jazeera. He was known as the leader who transformed the small Gulf state into the gas-rich power it is today.
Sheikh Hamad took power in 1996 after staging a bloodless coup against his father, the BBC reported. He ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, an 18-year period that, according to Al Jazeera, catapulted the country to prosperity and reshaped its domestic, regional and global footprint.
Al Jazeera described him as a key architect of the energy-rich country’s development. During his rule, Qatar expanded its influence across the region and on the world stage, building on its vast natural gas reserves.
Sheikh Hamad was laid to rest in Doha following a simple Islamic ceremony, Al Jazeera reported. Qatar mourned the man now referred to as the Father Emir, with the country marking his passing following his death.
Global leaders offered condolences after his death, praising his legacy and the growth Qatar experienced under his leadership, according to Al Jazeera. His legacy was also noted in relation to Palestine, where Al Jazeera highlighted his role and impact.
The former emir’s rule left a lasting mark on Qatar’s transformation from a small state into a significant player in energy and international affairs.
Why it matters
Sheikh Hamad presided over a period that turned Qatar into one of the world's wealthiest and most influential Gulf states, with global reach in energy, diplomacy and media. His death marks the passing of a figure whose decisions continue to shape the region's politics and economy.
Frequently asked questions
When did Sheikh Hamad rule Qatar?
According to Al Jazeera, Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013. The BBC reported that he took power in 1996 after a bloodless coup against his father.
How did Sheikh Hamad change Qatar?
He was described by Al Jazeera as a key architect of the energy-rich country's development, and the BBC said he transformed Qatar into the gas-rich power it is today. His 18-year rule reshaped Qatar's domestic, regional and global footprint.
Where was Sheikh Hamad buried?
Sheikh Hamad was laid to rest in Doha following a simple Islamic ceremony, according to Al Jazeera.
Timeline
- Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera: A tribute to the late Father Emir from Al Jazeera's Chairman of Board of Directors Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani.
- The late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani’s legacy on women’s reform
Al Jazeera: Qatar's late Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani’s 18-year rule brought pivotal changes towards women empowerment.
- How former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani built Qatar’s economy
Al Jazeera: Sheikh Hamad, who passed away aged 74 on Sunday, reshaped Qatar's economy by building lasting wealth and growth.
- Qatar’s Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani laid to rest in Doha
Al Jazeera: Sheikh Hamad, who ruled the Gulf state from 1995 to 2013, was buried after a simple Islamic ceremony.
- Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies aged 74
BBC World: He took power in 1996 after staging a bloodless coup against his father, and went on to transform Qatar into the gas-rich power it is today.
- Former Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s legacy in Palestine
Al Jazeera: Former Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani's legacy in Palestine
- How Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani built Qatar’s soft power
Al Jazeera: Leader known as Qatar's father emir was able to redefine his nation's position on the political map of the Middle East.
- Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani: key mediations
Al Jazeera: Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani: key mediations
- Qatar mourns Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
Al Jazeera: Qatar mourns Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
- Key moments from former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani’s life
Al Jazeera: Sheikh Hamad's 18-year rule catapulted Qatar to prosperity and reshaped its domestic, regional and global footprint.
- Photos: Qatari Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
Al Jazeera: Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 and stepped aside to make his son Sheikh Tamim emir, dies aged 74.
- Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies: Reactions
Al Jazeera: After Sheikh Hamad's death, global leaders offer condolences, praise his legacy and Qatar’s growth.
- Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, architect of modern Qatar
Al Jazeera: The Father Emir oversaw the meteoric rise of the small gas-rich nation.
- Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the architect of modern Qatar
Al Jazeera: The Father Emir oversaw the meteoric rise of the small gas-rich nation.
- Former emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, dies at 74
Al Jazeera: This is a breaking news story.
- Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies aged 74
Al Jazeera: Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, was a key architect of the energy-rich country's development.