Al Jazeera Chairman Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani Pays Tribute to Late Father Emir

Al Jazeera’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani, issued a formal tribute on Tuesday to the late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar’s former Emir who passed away on 13 July 2026 at the age of 70. The former ruler, widely regarded as the “Father Emir” for his role in modernising the Gulf state, was instrumental in launching Al Jazeera in 1996 and in steering Qatar’s rapid economic and diplomatic expansion over two decades.

In his statement, Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani praised the late Emir’s visionary leadership, noting that his commitment to independent journalism and global outreach “enabled Al Jazeera to become a trusted source of news worldwide.” He also highlighted the Emir’s contributions to education, health and infrastructure, describing his legacy as “a lasting foundation for Qatar’s future generations.” The tribute concluded by affirming Al Jazeera’s continued dedication to the principles of free expression and regional development that the late Emir championed.