Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Passes Away
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former ruler of Qatar, has died at the age of 74, according to an official announcement by the Qatari government on Sunday.
"The Bureau of the Emir mourns the great loss to the nation of the late, may God have mercy on him,"the statement said.
Sheikh Hamad was a pivotal figure in the modernization of Qatar, having assumed power from his father in June 1995 through a bloodless coup.
He is widely recognized for transforming Qatar's economy into a wealthy global power, largely due to the country's extensive natural gas reserves. However, his tenure was not without controversy, notably surrounding Qatar's successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Transition of Power and National Mourning
Sheikh Hamad voluntarily transferred power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in 2013.
Funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday evening, followed by several days of public mourning throughout Qatar. Flags will be flown at half-mast, and government offices and public institutions will close as a sign of respect.
International Tributes
King Charles and Queen Camilla expressed their condolences, highlighting Sheikh Hamad's dedication and leadership.
"His leadership, vision and commitment to the welfare of the Qatari people were widely admired, both within Qatar and around the world,"they stated.
India declared a day of national mourning and announced the cancellation of all entertainment events during this period.
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi remarked:
"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."
Sheikh Hamad’s Impact on Qatar’s Development
When Sheikh Hamad assumed power 31 years ago, Qatar was facing financial difficulties with declining oil reserves.
The coup, executed while his father Sheikh Khalifa was abroad, marked a turning point for the nation.
Under his leadership, Qatar became a leading producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), facilitated by international partnerships and investments.
In 1996, the Al Jazeera news network was launched in Qatar, eventually becoming a prominent name in global broadcasting.
Sheikh Hamad also established the Qatar Investment Authority, which invested in various international businesses, including the luxury department store Harrods and the football club Paris Saint-Germain.
Qatar’s 2022 World Cup and Associated Controversies
One of Sheikh Hamad’s most notable achievements was securing the hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in 2010, a victory that was met with allegations of corruption, though Qatar was later cleared of wrongdoing.
The country employed approximately 30,000 foreign laborers to construct the stadiums for the event.
Reports in 2021 indicated that around 6,500 migrant workers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka had died since Qatar won the World Cup bid.
The Qatari government clarified that not all recorded deaths were related to World Cup projects and that many of the deceased had been long-term residents.
Qatar’s human rights record and laws prohibiting same-sex relationships also attracted international criticism during Sheikh Hamad’s reign.
Historical Context
Qatar was a British protectorate until 1971, with the Al Thani family serving as monarchs since 1851.
