Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar who oversaw the country's transformation into a major global player, has died at the age of 74, according to state media reports on July 12, 2026. The cause of death has not been officially disclosed.
Sheikh Hamad came to power in 1995 after deposing his father in a bloodless coup. During his 18-year rule, he launched Qatar's ambitious liquefied natural gas (LNG) expansion, turning the small Gulf state into the world's largest LNG exporter. He also founded the Al Jazeera media network in 1996, which became a powerful voice in the Arab world.
In a rare move for the region, Sheikh Hamad voluntarily abdicated in June 2013, handing power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He cited a desire to allow a new generation to lead. Under his rule, Qatar also won the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a first for the Middle East.
Sheikh Hamad's legacy includes significant investments in education, culture, and infrastructure, including the establishment of Education City and the Museum of Islamic Art. He was married to Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who became a prominent public figure.
