Ruled the country for 18 years: former Emir of Qatar Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies
Фото: REUTERS
The former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, died on July 12 at the age of 74. Following the announcement of his death, the country declared four days of mourning.
This is reported by Reuters .
The Qatari royal court announced the death of the former emir on July 12. The country then declared four days of mourning, suspended government offices, and lowered its national flags. The cause of the sheikh’s death has not been officially announced.
Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani led Qatar from 1995 to 2013. During this time, the country experienced massive economic growth, modernization, and strengthened its position on the international stage.
Under his rule, Qatar became one of the world’s leading exporters of liquefied natural gas, expanded international cooperation, and increased its influence in the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia.
One of the sheikh’s most famous decisions was the founding of the Al Jazeera television channel in 1996, which later became one of the most influential international media networks.
The channel’s management noted that the late emir laid the foundation for independent journalism in the region and made freedom of speech one of the key principles of media development.
During his reign, Qatar also adopted its first permanent constitution, and women gained the right to participate in municipal elections as voters and candidates.
In 2010, Qatar won the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In 2013, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani voluntarily transferred power to his son Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, a rare occurrence for the Gulf monarchies.
Following the announcement of the former emir’s death, condolences were expressed by leaders of a number of states, including the presidents of Egypt, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates, who noted his contribution to the development of Qatar, strengthening regional cooperation, and supporting international dialogue.
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