Former Ruler Dies
Qatar's former ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74, state news agency confirms
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Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former ruler of Qatar, has died at the age of 74, according to Qatar News Agency. The state news agency did not give a cause of death. Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar for 18 years and turned the small Gulf nation into a major world power.
Times of Israel reported that Sheikh Hamad was key in making Qatar a global player in diplomacy, media, and investment. He stepped down voluntarily in 2013, handing power to his son — a rare move in the region.
How Sheikh Hamad Transformed a Tiny Gulf Nation
When Sheikh Hamad took power in 1995, Qatar was a small and little-known country. He changed that fast. He launched Al Jazeera, the Arab world's first major independent news network, in 1996. The channel gave Qatar a global voice overnight.
He also turned Qatar into a diplomatic hub. The country hosted peace talks for conflicts from Afghanistan to Sudan. Lancaster Online noted that he built Qatar into an investment giant, with the Qatar Investment Authority pouring billions into companies and real estate across Europe and the United States.
A Peaceful Transfer of Power at Just 61
In June 2013, Sheikh Hamad did something almost unheard of in the Gulf region. He handed power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, while still alive and in good health. He was just 61 years old at the time.
The Star reported the move was seen as a sign of stability. It set Qatar apart from neighboring countries where rulers hold power until death. Sheikh Hamad then stepped back from public life, though he remained a respected figure in the country.
Qatar's Rise From Oil Wealth to Global Influence
Qatar sits on some of the world's largest natural gas reserves. Sheikh Hamad used that wealth wisely. He built world-class infrastructure, funded education, and brought in foreign investment. The country's GDP grew dramatically during his rule.
Newsday noted that his ambitions went beyond money. Qatar won the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup under his watch — a move that shocked the soccer world. It was one of the clearest signs of how far Qatar had come under his leadership.
World Reacts to the Death of a Gulf Trailblazer
News of Sheikh Hamad's death spread quickly around the world. Leaders and governments offered condolences. His death marks the end of an era for Qatar and the broader Middle East region.
The Spec described him as the ruler who transformed Qatar from a quiet Gulf state into a recognized world force. His son, the current Emir Sheikh Tamim, now leads a country his father built from the ground up.
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