Former emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, dies at 74
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former emir of Qatar who transformed the nation into a global economic and media powerhouse, has died at age 74. He is credited with developing the Al Jazeera network and securing Qatar's role as a major liquefied natural gas exporter before abdicating in 2013.
Why it matters
His leadership fundamentally altered Qatar's geopolitical influence and economic trajectory in the Middle East.
DUBAI, July 12 (Reuters) - Qatar's former emir, who revolutionised Qatar out of its Bedouin background to a regional powerhouse, has died at the age of 74, the nation's Amiri Diwan, its top government body, said on Sunday.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, before abdicating to his son Sheikh Tamim, the current leader of the gas-rich Gulf country.
"The Amiri Diwan announced the death of HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani on Sunday morning. May Allah have mercy on his soul and grant him the best reward for what he achieved for his homeland and nation," the Diwan said.
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