Qatar's Former Ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Dies At 74
Qatar's former ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who led the Gulf nation from 1995 to 2013 and oversaw its emergence as a major global player in diplomacy, media and investment, has died at the age of 74. The Qatari government announced his death on Sunday, July 12, describing the former leader, known as the Father Amir, as a key figure in the country's modern development.Sheikh Hamad came to power in June 1995 after deposing his father, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, in a bloodless palace coup while the latter was abroad. During his 18-year rule, Qatar experienced rapid economic growth driven by its vast oil and gas reserves and significantly expanded its international influence. His tenure also saw the emergence of Al Jazeera as a major global media organisation and Qatar's growing diplomatic reach across the Middle East and beyond. In 2013, he voluntarily handed power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
PM Modi Expresses Grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over Sheikh Hamad's death, describing him as a visionary leader and a friend of India. "We deeply mourn the passing of Father Amir of State of Qatar, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. A visionary leader who led Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity, we remember him also as a true friend whom I had the honour of meeting during my last visit to Qatar in February 2024," Modi said in a post on X.
We deeply mourn the passing of Father Amir of State of Qatar, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. A visionary leader who led Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity, we remember him also as a true friend whom I had the honour of meeting during my last visit to Qatar…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 12, 2026
Modi also conveyed his condolences to Sheikh Tamim, the Qatari royal family and the people of Qatar. Sheikh Hamad had attended Britain's Sandhurst military academy before serving as commander of Qatar's armed forces and defence minister. His rule helped transform Qatar from a relatively inward-looking Gulf state into an influential diplomatic, economic and media power.
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