This morning, Qatari authorities announced the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the country’s former Emir. Al Thani, who was a revered figure in Qatar served as the Emir from 1995 to 2013.
Amiri Diwan’s Full Announcement
Amiri Diwan, the top government body of Qatar released a somber statement this morning about the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
“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”, the statement read. He was the Emir for a long period and abdicated in 2013, which is rare among Arab royals.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani: Cause of Death
In its statement, the Amiri Diwan did not disclose any official cause of death. But considering his age, he most likely passed away from natural causes.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani: Age
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was born on January 1 in Doha, Qatar. He was 74 years old.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani: Family
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was born into the Royal House of Thani, Qatar’s current ruling house. His mother passed away shortly after his death, so Al Thani was raised mostly by his uncle. He had 3 wives (Sheikha Mariam bint Muhammad Al Thani, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned and Sheikha Noora bint Khalid Al Thani) and 24 children. He was succeeded by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani as the emir of Qatar.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani: Education
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani completed his primary and secondary schooling locally in Doha. He also attended and graduated from the UK’s prestigious Military Academy Sandhurst in 1971.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani: Awards & Achievements
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was often cited as the key architect of Qatar’s development. Some of his major achievements included establishing media giant Al Jazeera in 1996 and hosting the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar. He was felicitated with awards such as the UK’s Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB) and France’s Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour.
