Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74
Authorities have not disclosed the cause of death or funeral plans for the leader who ruled Qatar from 1995-2013.
Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died Sunday morning, July 12, at the age of 74. The death was announced by Amiri Diwan, Qatar's official royal court. Hamad led Qatar from 1995 to 2013 before handing power to his son, the current Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. During nearly two decades in power, he was seen as the main architect of modern Qatar, driving gas-based economic growth, expanding Doha's diplomatic influence and raising the country's global profile. During his tenure, Al Jazeera was launched and Qatar later won the right to host the 2022 World Cup. To date, Qatari authorities have not announced the cause of death or details of the funeral procession.