Sheikh Hamad, former Emir of Qatar who elevated the country to a global level in diplomacy, media, and investment, has died at the age of 74.
Qatar's state news agency reported on 12 Jul 2026 GMT+7 that Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir who transformed this small Persian Gulf nation into a key global player in diplomacy, media, and investment before abdicating, has died at age 74.
"With a heart devoted to the will and decree of God, the Qatari Royal Palace mourns the great loss to the nation from the passing of His Highness. May God have mercy on the soul of the late King, the royal father Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who died this morning," the Royal Palace stated in a Sunday announcement.
Qatar's official media reported his death but did not specify the cause.
Meanwhile, the Qatari government declared a four-day national mourning period starting Sunday, ordering a temporary suspension of operations at government agencies and public organizations, and flags to be flown at half-mast.
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, laying the essential foundations for developing this energy-rich nation.
During his reign, Qatar advanced economically, socially, and culturally, strengthening its international status. Sheikh Hamad oversaw major economic investments and forged diverse international alliances as the country rose to become the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Qatar's political influence now extends across North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. In 2022, Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup, the most-watched football tournament worldwide, where Sheikh Hamad received a thunderous welcome from fans at the opening match.
Additionally, during his rule, the Al Jazeera news network was launched in 1996, quickly becoming one of the world's most influential media outlets.
However, Qatar's rise under Sheikh Hamad also caused friction with regional allies and Western countries due to its independent foreign policy, including close ties with Iran, a Shia power, the Palestinian armed group Hamas, and Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, both designated as illegal groups.
While Al Jazeera's straightforward reporting was praised as a departure from traditional Arab media deferential to authorities, it was also accused of bias favoring the perspectives of Qatar's ruling group.
In 2013, Sheikh Hamad abdicated and transferred power to his son and heir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, then aged 33—a rare abdication among Gulf hereditary rulers.
Abdullah Bandar Al Eteibi, assistant professor of international relations at Qatar University, said Sheikh Hamad transformed Qatar into “a special and extraordinary country.”
“We are speaking of a person who left a global legacy, not just in Qatar. He worked tirelessly to turn Qatar from an ordinary country into an outstanding and special one,” he told Al Jazeera. “He had many dreams and invested heavily in the LNG business, which enabled Qatar’s significant development.”
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Source:aljazeera