How Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani built Qatar’s soft power
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar, has died at age 74. He is credited with transforming Qatar into a regional power through strategic investments in soft power, education, and the creation of the Al Jazeera media network.
Why it matters
His leadership fundamentally altered Qatar's geopolitical standing, moving the nation from a minor state to a key diplomatic mediator in the Middle East.
The leader known as Qatar’s father emir was able to redefine his nation’s position on the political map of the Middle East.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info play video play video Video Duration 03 minutes 48 seconds play-arrow 03:48 Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies aged 74
From a tiny state struggling to survive to a country punching above its weight with soft power, wealth and influence felt in the region and beyond, Qatar and its success story were propelled by late Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani .
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