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

• Qatar’s former ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died on Sunday at the age of 74, the Amiri Diwan announced.
• He ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, overseeing major political, economic, and diplomatic changes before handing power to his son Sheikh Tamim.

Qatar’s former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died on Sunday at the age of 74, according to an official statement from the country’s Amiri Diwan.

“With hearts believing in God’s will and destiny, the Amiri Diwan mourns the death of His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away this morning,” the statement said.

The announcement did not provide further details about the cause of death.

Born in Doha in 1952, Sheikh Hamad received military training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom before beginning his political career.

He became Qatar’s emir in 1995 after taking power from his father, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani. During his rule, Qatar underwent significant economic growth, expanded its global diplomatic role, and developed major international media and investment initiatives.

His tenure also saw the launch of major national projects and the rise of Qatar’s influence in regional and international affairs.

In June 2013, Sheikh Hamad voluntarily handed over power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, becoming known as the “Father Emir.”

The transition marked one of the few peaceful transfers of power among Gulf monarchies and allowed Sheikh Tamim to take over leadership of the country.

Sheikh Hamad remained a prominent figure in Qatar’s public life after stepping down, continuing to be associated with the country’s transformation over the past decades.