Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir of Qatar, passed away at the age of 74 on July 16, 2026. He served as Qatar's Emir from 1995 to 2013, transforming Qatar into a global force through the founding of Al Jazeera media network, securing the FIFA World Cup 2022 hosting rights, and developing Qatar into the world's leading LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) exporter. In 2013, he voluntarily transferred power to his son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. PM Modi expressed deep grief, highlighting Qatar's importance as India's key energy partner. India has a large diaspora of approximately 7 lakh in Qatar.
Economy
Qatar's Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Dies at 74; PM Modi Expresses Deep Grief; India-Qatar Energy Ties
Key Points
- Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir of Qatar, passed away at the age of 74 on July 16, 2026
- He served as Qatar's Emir from 1995 to 2013, transforming Qatar into a global force through the founding of Al Jazeera media network, securing the FIFA World Cup 2022 hosting rights, and developing Qatar into the world's leading LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) exporter
- In 2013, he voluntarily transferred power to his son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
- PM Modi expressed deep grief, highlighting Qatar's importance as India's key energy partner
- India has a large diaspora of approximately 7 lakh in Qatar
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• Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (Father Emir, Qatar): died age 74 (July 16, 2026) • Qatar Emir: 1995-2013; founded Al Jazeera; secured FIFA WC 2022; Qatar = world's LNG leader • 2013: transferred power to son Sheikh Tamim; current Emir: Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani • Qatar: Capital Doha; Currency Riyal; India-Qatar: key energy partner; ~7 lakh Indian diaspora
