Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Ex-emir of Qatar, Passes at 74

WHO:

ABC News - Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, former Emir of Qatar

NY Post - Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, former Emir of Qatar

WHAT:

BBC News - Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani took power in 1996 after staging a bloodless coup against his father.

BBC News - He transformed Qatar into a gas-rich power during his rule.

ABC News - Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at age 74.

NY Post - The Amiri Diwan, Qatar's top government body, confirmed the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

WHERE:

NY Post - Doha, Qatar, where Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was present during the opening ceremony of the World Cup on November 26, 2019.

WHEN:

NY Post - The announcement of his death was made on a Sunday.

WHY:

ABC News - The cause of death was not specified in the reports.

HOW:

ABC News - The news was reported by the state news agency of Qatar.

(UPDATED July 12, 2026 17:16 UTC)

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who took power in 1996 after staging a bloodless coup against his father, has been a pivotal figure in Qatar's development. During his rule, he transformed the nation into a gas-rich powerhouse, significantly boosting its economy and global standing. His leadership marked a significant turning point in Qatar's history, shaping its future on the world stage.

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(UPDATED July 12, 2026 10:21 UTC)

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar, has died at the age of 74, with the Amiri Diwan confirming the news. Reports indicate that he was present in Doha during the opening ceremony of the World Cup on November 26, 2019, and the announcement of his passing was made on a Sunday. While the cause of death has not been specified, the news was reported by Qatar's state news agency.