The visionary who lifted Qatar to world stage is gone: Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74

Qatar is mourning the death of Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away at the age of 74, according to an official statement from the Amiri Diwan. Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 before voluntarily handing power to his son, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar, he oversaw the nation’s transformation into a global energy, investment, and diplomatic power through its liquefied natural gas industry and international outreach. The official announcement did not specify the cause of death.