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Qatar's former ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, former emir of Qatar who transformed the country into a major diplomatic, media, and investment power, has died at age 74, according to state media.
- He ruled Qatar for 18 years before voluntarily abdicating in 2013, a rare peaceful transfer of power in the region, handing control to his son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
- Sheikh Hamad was instrumental in establishing Qatar's global presence, founding the influential Al Jazeera network, expanding Qatar Airways, and securing the hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
- Under his leadership, Qatar pursued an independent foreign policy, maintaining ties with Iran, Hamas, and the Muslim Brotherhood, which caused tensions with regional neighbors and Western allies.
- Sheikh Hamad also positioned Qatar as a key diplomatic broker in regional conflicts and invested heavily in sports and media to boost the country's international profile.
