Former Qatar ruler Sheikh Hamad dies at 74

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former emir who led Qatar from 1995 until his abdication in 2013, died on Thursday at the age of 74. The Qatari government announced his passing in a brief statement, confirming that the former ruler had been receiving medical care in the capital, Doha, prior to his death.

During his 18‑year tenure, Sheikh Hamad oversaw a rapid transformation of Qatar’s economy and international standing, diversifying revenue through massive investments in infrastructure, education and media, and positioning the nation as a global hub for finance and sport. He launched the Qatar National Vision 2030, established the Al Jazeera news network, and secured the country’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Following his abdication, his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, assumed the emirate. Qatar’s leadership expressed condolences and highlighted Sheikh Hamad’s role in shaping modern Qatar, noting that his legacy will continue to influence the state’s development.