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Former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies aged 74 after transforming Gulf state
Former Qatari emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies aged 74
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar who transformed the small Gulf state into a global energy, diplomatic, and media powerhouse, has died at the age of 74. The Qatari government announced his passing on Sunday, marking the end of an era for the nation he led for 18 years.
Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 until his voluntary abdication in 2013, is credited with modernizing the country and overseeing its rise on the world stage. During his reign, Qatar became a leading producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), thanks to international partnerships and investments that he brokered.
One of his most significant legacies is the founding of Al Jazeera, the international television channel that has become a major player in global media. He also established the Qatar Investment Authority, which invested in high-profile assets such as Harrods and the football team Paris Saint-Germain.
Sheikh Hamad's rule began in 1995 when he took power from his father in a bloodless coup. Under his leadership, Qatar experienced unprecedented economic growth and development. The country's successful bid to host the 2022 World Cup, despite controversies, was another major achievement of his reign.
The Qatari government announced that funeral prayers would be held on Sunday evening, followed by several days of public mourning. Flags will be flown at half-mast, and government offices and public institutions will be shut as a mark of respect.
Tributes have poured in from around the world. King Charles and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom paid tribute, saying Sheikh Hamad had "dedicated many years of distinguished service to Qatar." They added, "His leadership, vision and commitment to the welfare of the Qatari people were widely admired, both within Qatar and around the world."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences, calling Sheikh Hamad a "visionary leader who led Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity." Modi recalled meeting Sheikh Hamad during his visit to Qatar in February 2024.
Sheikh Hamad's death has been mourned by the royal family and the people of Qatar. The Amiri Diwan, the sovereign body and administrative office of the Emir, announced his passing with deep sadness.
During his rule, Sheikh Hamad was known for his visionary leadership and his ability to redefine Qatar's position on the political map of the Middle East. He moved the country from the margins of the Gulf to regional prominence in political, diplomatic, national, and humanitarian fields.
One of his key strategies was investing in soft power. He implemented significant projects in education, health, scientific research, and sports, transforming Qatar's wealth into international diplomatic weight. The creation of Al Jazeera was a testament to his understanding of the power of media.
Qatari diplomacy under Sheikh Hamad led fruitful mediations in complex disputes and conflicts across a vast geographic expanse from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Horn of Africa. Doha brought together leaders in Lebanon in 2008, concluding a historic agreement that quelled the risk of another civil war. Qatar also sponsored negotiations that lasted 30 months between the Sudanese parties over the Darfur crisis, culminating in the signing of the Doha Document for Peace in 2011.
Sheikh Hamad's era also saw the establishment of the Al Udeid military base, which hosts the largest United States military force in the Middle East.
Despite his achievements, Sheikh Hamad's reign was not without controversies. The 2022 World Cup bid, awarded to Qatar in 2010, was marred by allegations of corruption, although Qatar was later cleared of these charges. Additionally, his rule saw the country grapple with issues of human rights, including the treatment of foreign laborers and the rights of women and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Sheikh Hamad's death marks the end of an era for Qatar. His legacy as the architect of modern Qatar will be remembered for generations to come. As the country mourns its former leader, the world reflects on the profound impact he had on the small Gulf state and its place in the global community.
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Grondlegger van modern Qatar sjeik Hamad op 74-jarige leeftijd overleden De voormalig Qatarese emir Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani is op 74-jarige leeftijd overleden. Dat heeft de regering bekendgemaakt. Hij regeerde van 1995 tot 2013 over de Golfstaat en wordt gezien als de grondlegger van het moderne Qatar.
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Qatars former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74 Qatars Amiri Diwan announced on Sunday that former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at the age of 74, saying the royal family mourns the passing of the transformational leader who modernized the Gulf state during his 18-year rule before abdicating in 2013.
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