Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar and the country’s “Father Emir,” passed away on Sunday at the age of 74.
Born in 1952, he ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013. During his reign, the country underwent major economic reforms and used its vast natural gas revenues to become one of the wealthiest and most influential nations in the region and the world.
Under Sheikh Hamad’s leadership, Al Jazeera expanded significantly, while Qatar strengthened its role in regional diplomacy and international investment.
In 2013, Sheikh Hamad voluntarily transferred power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in a move considered rare among Arab states.
Source: Amiri Diwan of Qatar.