Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies aged 74
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar who transformed the nation into a global economic powerhouse, has died at age 74. World leaders have paid tribute to his visionary leadership and role in modernizing the country's gas-based economy.
Why it matters
His death marks the end of an era for a key geopolitical player in the Middle East, potentially impacting regional stability and energy policy.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Dan Sales Getty Images Sheikh Hamad during a two-day visit to Bulgaria as part of a European tour in 2009 Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former leader of Qatar, has died aged 74, the country's government announced on Sunday.
"The Bureau of the Emir mourns the great loss to the nation of the late, may God have mercy on him," a statement read.
Sheikh Hamad was one of the key masterminds behind modern Qatar and had taken power from his father in June 1995 in a bloodless coup.
He is credited with transforming its economy into the wealthy global powerhouse it is today, thanks to its huge gas reserves. But his reign also had controversies - including Qatar's World Cup bid in 2010.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in