Qatar’s Amiri Diwan announced that former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at age 74, mourning “the nation’s great leader” and asking for God’s mercy. Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 and voluntarily abdicated in June 2013 in favor of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Born in Doha in 1952, he trained at the United Kingdom’s Royal Military College, Sandhurst, joined the Qatar Armed Forces and later served as defence minister before becoming heir apparent in the late 1970s. During his 18-year reign Sheikh Hamad oversaw large economic, social and cultural change in Qatar and helped establish the country as a global player in diplomacy and investment. The Amiri Diwan’s statement described him as “the Father Emir,” reflecting his continued stature in the ruling family and state institutions. The death was reported by state and international outlets on Sunday, July 12, 2026, with official mourning announced immediately.
