Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies aged 74
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who took power in 1996 after a bloodless coup against his father, has died aged 74. The BBC reports he went on to transform Qatar into the gas-rich power it is today.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar, has died at the age of 74, the BBC reported. He took power in 1996 after staging a bloodless coup against his father, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani.
During his rule, Sheikh Hamad transformed Qatar from a small Gulf state into one of the world's leading producers of natural gas. He spearheaded numerous diplomatic and economic initiatives that expanded the country's international influence.
His legacy extends beyond economic transformation, having been instrumental in Qatar taking on a regional mediation role and gaining visibility in global media, sport and investment. His death has drawn a significant reaction across the Gulf region.
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