Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former emir of Qatar who ruled from 1995 until his abdication in 2013, died at the age of 74. His death was confirmed by Qatar’s Amiri Diwan, which announced that the former leader passed away peacefully after a brief illness. Hamad succeeded his father, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, and during his 18‑year tenure oversaw a rapid transformation of the Gulf state, diversifying the economy, expanding the nation’s global diplomatic profile and launching major infrastructure projects such as the new capital city, Lusail, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup stadiums.

In 2013 Sheikh Hamad voluntarily transferred power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, marking a rare peaceful succession in the region. Under Hamad’s rule, Qatar’s per‑capita income rose sharply, the country became a major player in natural‑gas exports, and its media outlet Al Jazeera gained worldwide influence. His death closes a significant chapter in Qatar’s modern history, and the current emir is expected to lead a period of national mourning while continuing the policies established by his father.