Former Qatar ruler Sheikh Hamad, a moderniser who seized power, has died
Summary
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, former emir of Qatar and a transformative leader who modernized the country's economy and global role, has died at age 74.
Key Points
- Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, former emir of Qatar, died at age 74.
- He seized power in 1995 through a bloodless coup and abdicated in 2013 in favor of his son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
- He transformed Qatar into a major liquefied natural gas exporter, boosting its wealth significantly.
- He founded Al Jazeera media network and positioned Qatar as a regional mediator in conflicts, notably during the Arab Spring.
