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 died at 74, is credited with transforming the nation into a global powerhouse. During his 1995-2013 rule, he leveraged vast natural gas reserves, launched the Al Jazeera network, and secured the 2022 World Cup. He took power in a 1995 bloodless coup and made the rare move of voluntarily abdicating to his son in 2013.

Sheikh Hamad's death announcement

• ▪Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar, has died at the age of 74
• ▪The announcement of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani's death was made on Sunday, July 12, 2026, by the Amiri Diwan, Qatar's top government body
• ▪Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013

1995 bloodless coup

• ▪Before becoming emir, Sheikh Hamad attended Britain's Sandhurst military academy and served as commander of Qatar's armed forces
• ▪In June 1995, Sheikh Hamad took power by overthrowing his father in a bloodless coup

Qatar's economic transformation

• ▪Sheikh Hamad is credited with transforming Qatar from a small emirate into a regional and international powerhouse
• ▪During his reign, Qatar successfully bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup
• ▪Sheikh Hamad's tenure saw the introduction of Qatar's first permanent constitution and municipal elections where women could vote and stand as candidates
• ▪Under Sheikh Hamad's rule, Qatar became the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas

Al Jazeera launch

• ▪The international broadcaster Al Jazeera was launched in 1996 following a decree issued by Sheikh Hamad
• ▪The Al Jazeera network became a powerful voice in Arab media and elevated Qatar's global profile

2013 abdication to son

• ▪In June 2013, Sheikh Hamad voluntarily abdicated, handing power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
• ▪The 2013 abdication was a rare move for a hereditary Gulf Arab ruler and a first in the recent history of the Arab world

International condolences

• ▪Ishaq Dar stated that Sheikh Hamad played a pivotal role in Qatar's modern development and in strengthening ties with Pakistan
• ▪Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, extended condolences following Sheikh Hamad's death