Who was Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the architect of modern Qatar, who passed away at 74?

Qatar's ​former Emir Sheikh ​Hamad ​bin Khalifa Al ⁠Thani ​has ​died at the ​age ​of 74, Doha's ⁠Amiri Diwan, its ​top ​government ⁠body, ​said on Sunday (local time), without stating a cause.

The Amiri Diwan in a statement said, "With hearts steadfast in faith in God’s decree and destiny, the Amiri Diwan mourns the great loss to the nation of the late – may God have mercy on him – His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away this morning."

Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 as emir, is widely credited with driving Qatar's rapid transformation from a relatively isolated Gulf state into a major global hub. The energy-rich nation now owns London's Harrods department store and has established the influential Al Jazeera satellite news network, AP reported.

However, Qatar's growing influence under Sheikh Hamad also unsettled several regional and Western allies because of its independent foreign policy. Its close relations with Shiite-majority Iran, the Palestinian militant group Hamas, and Egypt's banned Muslim Brotherhood frequently drew criticism from its allies.

Here's what we know about Sheikh Hamad

The former emir attended Britain's military academy, Sandhurst, and served as the commander of Qatar’s armed forces and defense minister. He was named crown prince in the late 1970s and later widened his duties to include planning for Qatar’s vast oil and gas reserves.

After taking power from his father, who spent nearly a decade in exile, Sheikh Hamad rapidly transformed Qatar from an inward-looking state by embracing greater international engagement. That shift was symbolised by the launch of Al Jazeera, which went on to become one of the world's most influential media networks.

Sheikh Hamad also oversaw the rapid expansion of Qatar Airways, turning it into one of the world's leading international airlines in a bid to compete with regional rival Emirates. Doha's Hamad International Airport, built at a cost of more than $15 billion, was later named in his honour.

Sheikh Hamad announced abdication, handed over power to son

According to reports, when Sheikh Hamad announced his abdication and handed over power to his son, British-educated crown prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who was then 33, he said, "The future lies ahead of you, the children of this homeland, as you usher into a new era where young leadership hoists the banner."

His abdication was seen as the nation's attempt to stay ahead of Arab Spring-inspired calls for reforms and leadership more accustomed to the region's large and powerful young population.

PM Modi condoles former emir's death

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed condolences on the passing of Al Thani. In a post on X, he said, "We deeply mourn the passing of Father Amir of the State of Qatar, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. A visionary leader who led Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity, we remember him also as a true friend whom I had the honour of meeting during my last visit to Qatar in February 2024. I convey my sincere condolences to the Amir of Qatar, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the entire royal family and people of Qatar. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace."

(with agency inputs)