Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Al Thani, former emir of Qatar, dies at 73.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Al Thani, the former emir who transformed Qatar into a global energy powerhouse and reformist state, has died. He oversaw a twenty-fourfold GDP increase, launched Al Jazeera, and introduced women's suffrage.
A charismatic leader known for his approachable demeanor, Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani assumed power in 1995. Widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar, he launched ambitious development and reform plans, along with major educational initiatives.
During his reign, Qatar's gross domestic product increased more than twenty-fourfold, while production from the North Field transformed the country into the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas by 2006. Four years later, Qatar's LNG production capacity reached 77 million tonnes per year, according to the government. His tenure also saw the establishment of the Qatar Foundation, the launch of Al Jazeera in 1996, the adoption of Qatar's first permanent constitution in 2004, and the introduction of municipal elections in which women gained the right to vote and stand as candidates.
Born in Doha in January 1952, Sheikh Hamad graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom before becoming commander of Qatar's armed forces. He was appointed heir apparent and minister of defence in 1977, became emir on June 27, 1995, and transferred power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on June 25, 2013. Under his leadership, Qatar also adopted the Qatar National Vision 2030 and won the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.