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 tiny Gulf state into a global player, has died at the age of 74. The Amiri Diwan, Qatar's top government body, announced his death on Sunday morning.
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013, when he voluntarily abdicated in favor of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. His reign was marked by significant economic, social, and cultural changes that propelled Qatar onto the world stage.
Born in 1952 into the Al Thani family, which has ruled Qatar since the mid-19th century, Sheikh Hamad attended the United Kingdom's military academy, Sandhurst. He became commander of Qatar's armed forces and defense minister before being named crown prince in the late 1970s. He came to power in a bloodless coup in 1995, deposing his father while he was abroad.
Under Sheikh Hamad's leadership, Qatar transformed from a small, largely marginal emirate into a regional powerhouse. Leveraging its large natural gas reserves, Qatar became one of the top producers and exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG), making it one of the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of GDP per capita.
Sheikh Hamad's reign also saw the launch of the Al Jazeera news network in 1996, which expanded Qatar's global influence through media. While Al Jazeera was praised for its independent reporting, it was also criticized for allegedly slanting coverage to suit Qatar's rulers.
The country's flag carrier, Qatar Airways, grew into a top international airline under his rule, and Doha became a major transport hub.
One of the most significant achievements during his reign was Qatar's successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Sheikh Hamad was also known for his diplomatic efforts and investments that extended Qatar's influence from North Africa to Afghanistan. However, his independent-minded policymaking, including close ties to Iran, Hamas, and Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, sometimes rankled regional and Western allies.
In 2013, Sheikh Hamad made history by becoming one of the first modern Arab leaders to voluntarily abdicate, handing power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who was 33 at the time. "The future lies ahead of you, the children of this homeland, as you usher into a new era where young leadership hoists the banner," Sheikh Hamad said as he announced his abdication.
This move was seen as an attempt to stay ahead of calls for reforms and leadership more attuned to the region's young population.
Sheikh Hamad's death was announced by the Amiri Diwan, which expressed the nation's mourning for the loss of a transformational leader. The cause of his death was not immediately revealed.
During his reign, Sheikh Hamad also oversaw significant investments in the Gaza Strip, with Qatar paying hundreds of millions of dollars to fund projects there. A hospital in Gaza City bears his name. He also promulgated Qatar's first permanent constitution in 2004 and introduced municipal elections where women were allowed to vote and run.
In December 2015, Sheikh Hamad was flown to Switzerland for surgery after breaking a leg while on holiday, indicating some health issues in his later years.
Sheikh Hamad is survived by his three wives and 24 children. His legacy includes not only the economic and political transformation of Qatar but also significant investments in education and infrastructure.
The State of Qatar has entered a period of mourning as condolences pour in for the Al Thani family and the Qatari people.
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Articles
Muere el jeque Hamad bin Jalifa al Thani, exemir que transformó en potencia a Qatar El jeque Hamad sorprendió a muchos al abdicar voluntariamente en 2013 en favor de su cuarto hijo
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