Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died Sunday at the age of 74 [1].
His death marks the end of an era for the Gulf nation, as he presided over a period of significant economic growth and increased international influence for Qatar.
A state funeral began Sunday evening with prayers held at the Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahab Mosque in Doha [1, 3]. Thousands of mourners gathered at the mosque to pay their respects to the former leader [1].
Sheikh Hamad served as the ruler of Qatar for nearly two decades. While sources differ on the exact start date, reports indicate he took power between 1995 and 1996 [2, 4] after a bloodless coup against his father. He remained in power until 2013 [2].
During his tenure, the former Emir focused on expanding the nation's global footprint through diplomacy and the development of its natural gas industry. His leadership transitioned the country into a major regional power, a shift that defined Qatar's modern geopolitical standing.
Officials in Doha have organized the state proceedings to honor his legacy. The evening prayers served as the first major public gathering following the announcement of his death on July 12, 2026 [3].
“Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died Sunday at the age of 74”
The death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani closes a chapter on the aggressive modernization of Qatar. His transition of power in 2013 was a rare, peaceful handover of leadership in the region, and his legacy remains tied to the strategic use of wealth to secure Qatar's sovereignty and international diplomatic role.
