Former Qatar Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74

Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar who transformed the small Gulf state into a global energy and diplomatic powerhouse, died on Sunday at the age of 74. His death was announced by the Amiri Diwan, which declared four days of national mourning Source: Infobae.

Rise to power

Sheikh Hamad seized power in a bloodless coup in 1995 while his father was vacationing in Switzerland Source: El Mundo. He ruled for 18 years until voluntarily abdicating in 2013—an unusual move in the region—in favor of his son, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Source: Clarin.

Transformation of Qatar

Under his leadership, Qatar leveraged its vast natural gas reserves to become one of the world's richest nations. He established the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and the international news network Al Jazeera in 1996 Source: ABC. The country also expanded its global footprint through investments in companies like Volkswagen and Harrods Source: El Español.

Legacy and reaction

Sheikh Hamad's funeral prayer was held at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque in Doha, attended by thousands, and he was buried in the Lusail cemetery Source: El Caribe. The EU's Dubravka Šuica praised his "vision and leadership" in building ties between Qatar and Europe Source: Diario Libre. His wife, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, has been a prominent public figure and was often seen alongside him Source: El Confidencial.