Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at age 74

Sheikh Hamad is also regarded as the founder of the news broadcaster Al Jazeera, which since its establishment has developed into one of the most important and influential broadcasters in the Arab world. With the international broadcast of the channel, Qatar linked its name worldwide with an independent Arab media offering.

Al Jazeera and the 2022 World Cup

In 2010, Qatar under Sheikh Hamad's leadership succeeded in winning the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The award by FIFA made the small Gulf state known around the world and triggered a wave of investment in stadiums, transportation, and tourism.

In 2013, Sheikh Hamad voluntarily handed over power to his son Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the current emir. A voluntary transfer of power is considered unusual in the monarchies of the Gulf region.

Voluntary transfer of power to his son

Sheikh Hamad leaves behind three wives and a total of 24 children. The Al Thani family had already seized power in Qatar in the 19th century; the country had been a British protectorate until its independence in 1971.

According to the emirate, the funeral ceremonies will be conducted in accordance with Islamic traditions. Official representatives of Qatar spoke of a "great loss for the nation" and honored Sheikh Hamad's contribution to the country's development.

International reactions to the death of the former emir had not yet been received at editorial deadline. Observers pointed out that Sheikh Hamad's legacy — particularly the expansion of gas production, the founding of Al Jazeera, and the hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup — will shape Qatar's political and economic direction for years to come.