Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
The former Emir of Qatar and Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at the age of 74.The Amiri Diwan announced that Sheikh Hamad died on the morning of July 12. In his statement, may God have mercy on him and praised his lasting contributions to Qatar and the wider Arab and Islamic world.Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013, a period marked by rapid economic growth, expanding infrastructure, and the energy-rich nation’s growing international standing. His leadership oversaw sweeping social, cultural and political changes that helped reshape the country’s global standing.Key milestones during his tenure included the adoption of Qatar’s first permanent constitution in 2004 and the introduction of municipal elections, which allowed women to vote and compete for seats for the first time.
His years in office also coincided with the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, the 2012 United Nations Climate Change Conference, the Doha Agreement, and the Doha Agreement between Fatah and Hamas.In 2013, Sheikh Hamad stepped down from power and transferred leadership to his son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who was 33 years old at the time. The voluntary transfer of power was considered an unusual step among hereditary rulers in the Gulf region.The Amiri Diwan described Sheikh Hamad as a leader whose service left a lasting impact on the nation, honored his role in the development of Qatar and offered its condolences after his death.
