Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies aged 74
Summary
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former leader of Qatar, died at age 74. He ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 and is known for transforming the country’s economy using natural gas wealth and establishing key institutions like Al Jazeera and the Qatar Investment Authority.Key Facts
- Sheikh Hamad took power in a bloodless coup in 1995, replacing his father while he was abroad.
- He led Qatar for 18 years and voluntarily gave power to his son in 2013.
- Under his rule, Qatar became a top exporter of liquefied natural gas through international partnerships.
- He launched the Al Jazeera news network in 1996, which grew into a major international broadcaster.
- Sheikh Hamad founded the Qatar Investment Authority, which invested in global businesses like Harrods and Paris Saint-Germain football club.
- Qatar won the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup during his leadership, a major achievement with some controversy over labor and human rights issues.
- The country observed several days of public mourning, flying flags at half mast and closing public offices.
- Qatar has been ruled by the Al Thani family since 1851 and became independent from Britain in 1971.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
