Qatar's former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74

Qatar's former emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, died on July 12, 2026, at the age of 74. The Amiri Diwan, the country's top government body, announced the death that Sunday morning and did not disclose a cause. Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013.

He came to power after a bloodless coup that removed his father and later became the first modern Qatari ruler to abdicate voluntarily, transferring authority to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in June 2013. During his reign Qatar adopted its first permanent constitution in 2004 and introduced municipal elections that allowed women to vote and stand as candidates.

Al Jazeera was launched in 1996.

Qatar hosted the 2022 men's FIFA World Cup under his direction. Sheikh Hamad directed large foreign investments, including the purchase of London's Harrods department store, and oversaw the expansion of Qatar Airways and the $15 billion Doha international airport.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan offered condolences after the announcement.

"With hearts full of faith in God’s decree and destiny, the Amiri Diwan mourns the passing of the nation’s great leader," the statement said.