Qatar's former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74

Former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the leader credited with transforming the small Gulf nation into a major global player in diplomacy, energy and investment, has died at the age of 74, Qatar's Amiri Diwan announced on Sunday.

"With hearts steadfast in faith in God's decree and destiny, the Amiri Diwan mourns the great loss to the nation of the late – may God have mercy on him – His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away this morning," the country's top government body said in a statement.

Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar for 18 years before voluntarily stepping down in June 2013 and handing power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The peaceful transfer of power was unusual in the Gulf region, where leadership changes have often followed the death or removal of a ruler.

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Reacting to the former emir's death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as 'a visionary leader', whom he last met in February 2024 during his visit to the Gulf nation.

From palace coup to modern Qatar

Sheikh Hamad came to power in 1995 after peacefully deposing his father, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, in a bloodless palace coup. Before becoming emir, he had attended Britain's Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, served as commander of Qatar's armed forces and defence minister, and was named crown prince in the late 1970s.

During his rule, he focused on developing Qatar's vast oil and natural gas reserves. The country's energy wealth helped transform it from a little-known Gulf state into one of the world's wealthiest nations and an influential player in international affairs.

His decision to step down in 2013 was widely seen as an effort to ensure a smooth transition to a younger generation of leadership at a time when the Arab Spring had increased demands for political reform across West Asia.

Expanding Qatar's global influence

Under Sheikh Hamad's leadership, Qatar significantly expanded its diplomatic role in regional and international affairs.

In October 2012, he became the first head of state to visit the Gaza Strip after Hamas took control of the territory in 2007. During the visit, he pledged $400 million for reconstruction projects and investments.

At the same time, Qatar also maintained contacts with Israel. Sheikh Hamad met then-Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni during the United Nations General Assembly in 2007. Qatar allowed an Israeli trade office to operate in Doha until it was closed following Israel's military offensive in Gaza in late 2008.

Remembered as the architect of modern Qatar, Sheikh Hamad leaves behind a country that emerged during his leadership as a major force in global diplomacy, energy markets and international investment despite its small size and population.