How Sheikh Hamad revolutionised Arab media through Al Jazeera
The article reflects on the legacy of the late Father Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, following his passing. It highlights his role in founding Al Jazeera in 1996, which challenged regional media monopolies and Western narratives.
Why it matters
Al Jazeera's establishment fundamentally altered the geopolitical and media landscape of the Middle East, providing a platform for regional perspectives.
The late Father Emir broke the monopoly of state-controlled broadcasting and established an enduring platform for a free press in the Middle East.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Sheikh Hamad's vision for a free and influential media platform for the Arab world was achieved via Al Jazeera [Screengrab/Al Jazeera] By Al Jazeera Staff Published On 13 Jul 2026 13 Jul 2026 Following the passing of Qatar’s Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, his founding of the Al Jazeera News Channel stands as a defining geopolitical and cultural milestone.
Launched in 1996, the channel ended the states’ monopoly on broadcasting in the Middle East and challenged the hegemony of Western media in shaping the region’s narrative.
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