Former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Dies at 74

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former emir of Qatar who ruled for 18 years and launched Al Jazeera, has died at age 74, the country's royal court announced.

The 'Father Emir'

Sheikh Hamad, widely known as the "Father Emir," died Sunday, July 12, 2026, at age 74, according to an announcement from the Amiri Diwan, Qatar's royal court. Confirmation of his death came directly from the Diwan in a formal statement.

"With hearts steadfast in faith in God's decree and destiny, the Amiri Diwan mourns the great loss to the nation," the royal court said.

From 1995 to 2013

Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar for 18 years, from 1995 until 2013, when he handed power to his son, current Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. His tenure oversaw major economic, social and cultural development across the small but wealthy Gulf state.

Among the defining moments of his rule was the 1996 launch of Al Jazeera, the Doha-based news network that grew into one of the most influential media organizations in the Arab world and beyond.

Four Days of Mourning

Qatar declared a four-day period of public mourning beginning Monday. Government work was suspended and flags were ordered flown at half-mast across the country.

The former emir's death came the same weekend as a sharp military escalation between Iran and several Gulf states, compounding a turbulent period for the region. Qatar, based in Doha, remains a central energy exporter and a key diplomatic partner across the Middle East and Europe.