---
title: "Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Qatar’s Former Emir Dies at 74"
url: https://alitoday.com/sheikh-hamad-bin-khalifa-al-thani-qatars-former-emir-dies-at-74/
date: 2026-07-12
modified: 2026-07-12
author: "Shahe Umam Al-Ansari"
description: "Doha: Qatar's former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, widely known as the Father Emir, has passed away at the age of 74, the Amiri Diwan, the country's highest..."
categories:
  - "Muslim World"
  - "News"
tags:
  - "Al Thani"
  - "Emir"
  - "Qatar"
  - "Sheikh"
  - "Sheikh Hamad"
image: https://i0.wp.com/alitoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/converted-1-2.webp?fit=840%2C530&ssl=1
word_count: 247
---

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

**Doha:** Qatar's former [Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani](https://www.diwan.gov.qa/about-qatar/qatars-rulers/father?sc_lang=en), widely known as the Father Emir, has passed away at the age of 74, the Amiri Diwan, the country's highest government body, announced on Sunday.

Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 and is widely credited with transforming the Gulf nation into one of the world's wealthiest and most influential countries through the development of its vast natural gas resources.

In 2013, he voluntarily abdicated the throne, handing power to his son, the current Emir, [Sheikh ](https://alitoday.com/tag/sheikh/)Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

During his 18-year reign, Qatar expanded its liquefied natural gas industry, becoming one of the richest countries in the world on a per capita basis.

His leadership also saw the creation of the [Qatar ](https://alitoday.com/tag/qatar/)Investment Authority, which invested in major global companies, financial institutions, real estate and sports assets.

Sheikh Hamad also founded Al Jazeera in 1996, turning the network into one of the world's most influential Arabic-language media organizations and significantly expanding Qatar's international profile.

His tenure included Qatar's successful bid to host the 2022 [FIFA ](https://alitoday.com/tag/fifa/)World Cup, further strengthening the country's global standing.

Born on January 1, 1952, Sheikh Hamad studied at Britain's Royal Military Academy Sandhurst before serving in senior military and government positions.

He became heir apparent in 1977 and assumed power in a bloodless palace coup in 1995.

After stepping down in 2013, Sheikh Hamad largely stayed away from public office while remaining an influential figure within Qatar's ruling family.