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Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar and widely regarded as the architect of the country’s modern transformation, has died at the age of 74.
Qatari state media announced his death on Sunday.
In a statement, the Amiri Diwan expressed profound sorrow over the national loss, saying: “With complete faith in Allah’s will and decree, the Amiri Diwan mourns the passing of His Highness the Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away this morning. May Allah have mercy on him.”
Sheikh Hamad served as Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013. During his 18-year reign, he transformed the Gulf nation into a major economic and diplomatic force by harnessing its vast natural gas wealth, investing heavily in infrastructure, and expanding Qatar’s global influence.
His tenure also saw the rapid rise of the international news network Al Jazeera and Qatar’s emergence as a global sporting hub.
Under his leadership, the country secured the successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a milestone that significantly elevated Qatar’s international profile.
In 2013, Sheikh Hamad made the rare decision to voluntarily abdicate, peacefully handing over power to his son, the current Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
His death has prompted an outpouring of grief across Qatar. Details regarding his funeral and official mourning arrangements are expected to be announced later.