Former Qatar Emir Sheikh, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, dies at 74

2 min readUpdated: Jul 12, 2026 11:25 AM IST

Qatari former Emir ⁠Sheikh ​Hamad bin ​Khalifa ​Al Thani ⁠has died ‌at the age ⁠of ⁠74. (Amiri Diwan)

Former Qatar Emir ⁠Sheikh ​Hamad bin ​Khalifa ​Al Thani has died at the age of 74, the nation’s top ‌government ​body said on Sunday.

Sheikh ​Hamad bin ​Khalifa ​Al Thani is credited for his contribution to the nation’s modern revival. He transformed the tiny Persian Gulf nation into a global player in diplomacy, media and investment.

According to the Qatar’s government website, Al Thani’s rule saw massive economic, social and cultural development.

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Though the state-run Qatar News Agency announced his death, there was no mention of the cause.

The Qatari leader, during his rule, also shattered tradition by voluntarily handing over power to his son. He stepped down in June 2013 after 18 years as emir.

Architect behind Qatar’s rise in West Asia

Sheikh ​Hamad bin ​Khalifa ​Al Thani is seen as the architect behind Qatar’s rise as a backwater into energy-rich nation at an international crossroads in less than a generation, according to Associated Press.

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Qatar now holds the Harrod’s department store in London and founded the powerful Al Jazeera satellite news network. He is also lauded for his role in the rise of Al Jazeera, a major force in global media, and Qatar Airways, which grew into a major international carrier.

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