Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar, passed away early Sunday, July 12, at the age of 74. Qatar’s state news agency, QNA, announced his death but did not provide details regarding the cause.
Sheikh Hamad served as the ruler of Qatar from 1995 to 2013. After 18 years in power, he stepped down as Emir in June 2013, transferring authority to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
During his reign, Qatar made substantial investments in the energy, economy, and media sectors, significantly enhancing its international standing. It was also under his leadership that the Al Jazeera news network was established, eventually becoming one of the most influential media organizations in the Middle East and globally.
Qatar hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup and, in recent years, has played a mediating role in several regional and international issues, including efforts related to Afghanistan.
However, Qatar’s foreign policy during Sheikh Hamad’s tenure also drew criticism from some regional countries and a number of Western allies. Much of the criticism centered on Doha’s relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hamas, and Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
