Modern Qatar's Architect Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani passes away

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir widely credited with transforming Qatar into a global economic and diplomatic powerhouse, has died, the Qatari government announced on Sunday (July 12). He was the country's ruler from 1995 to 2013.

In a statement, the Qatari Amiri Diwan expressed profound sorrow over his passing, saying, "With deep sadness, we announce the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. May Allah bestow His mercy upon him."

Sheikh Hamad assumed power in June 1995 through a bloodless palace coup while his father, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, was abroad. At the time, Qatar was a relatively modest Gulf state.

Under his leadership, the country underwent a remarkable transformation, leveraging its vast natural gas reserves to become one of the world's wealthiest nations and an influential player in regional and international affairs.

One of the defining milestones of his rule came in 1996 with the launch of Al Jazeera under an Amiri decree. The broadcaster would go on to become one of the world's most influential international news networks.

In June 2013, Sheikh Hamad made history by voluntarily handing power to his son, the current Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani—a rare peaceful transfer of leadership in the modern Arab world.

Qatar, a nation of around three million people, the majority of whom are expatriates, gained independence from Britain in 1971. The Al Thani royal family has ruled the Gulf state since the mid-19th century.