Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Dies at 74

Early Military and Government Roles of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

The Amiri Diwan, Qatar’s top government body, announced the death of HH the Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani on Sunday morning. Born in Doha in January 1952, Sheikh Hamad was a member of the Al Thani family, which has ruled Qatar since the mid-19th century. After graduating from the British Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst in 1971, he joined the Qatar armed forces, eventually reaching the rank of major-general. He was credited with playing a pivotal role in developing the armed forces in terms of ordnance. On May 31, 1977, he was appointed heir apparent and minister of defence, and on May 10, 1989, he became chairman of the Supreme Council for Planning, tasked with developing the country’s social and economic policies.

Energy Sector Expansion and the North Field Development

Sheikh Hamad assumed leadership on June 27, 1995, following a bloodless coup in which he deposed his father while the former ruler was abroad. His tenure was defined by the rapid expansion of the energy sector. By leveraging the untapped North Field—the largest non-associated natural gas field in the world—Qatar became one of the wealthiest countries on the planet. Under his leadership, the country’s GDP grew more than 24-fold. By 2006, Qatar had become the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), with production capacity reaching 77 million tons per annum.

His vision for the country was formalized through the Qatar National Vision 2030, a long-term strategy aimed at transforming Qatar into a knowledge-based economy. Institutional reforms included the establishment of the Qatar Foundation and the promulgation of Qatar’s first permanent constitution in 2004. He also introduced municipal elections in which women were granted the right to vote and stand as candidates. Additionally, he launched the Al Jazeera news network in 1996 and oversaw the growth of Qatar Airways into a top international carrier, transforming the capital city of Doha into a major global transport hub.

Sheikh Hamad’s era was also marked by a push for international influence, including Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This bid, secured in 2010, was later marred by allegations of corruption, and the run-up to the tournament saw the country face international criticism regarding the treatment of migrant workers. Furthermore, under his reign, Qatar began funding projects in the Gaza Strip, including the construction of a hospital in Gaza City bearing his name.

On June 25, 2013, Sheikh Hamad became one of the first modern Arab leaders to voluntarily abdicate, handing power to his son, the current Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Reflecting on the transition, Sheikh Hamad stated: “The future lies ahead of you, the children of this homeland, as you usher into a new era where young leadership hoists the banner.”

Funeral Arrangements at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque

Funeral prayers for the late Father Amir will be held after Maghrib prayer today, Sunday, July 12, at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque, with his body to be laid to rest in Lusail Cemetery. The Amiri Diwan announced that Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will receive mourners at Lusail Palace from heads of state, members of the Ruling Family, dignitaries, and citizens. The reception schedule is set for the mornings of Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, July 13, 14, and 15, 2026, from 8am to 11:30am, and during the evening period from Asr prayer until Isha prayer.

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