Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani: Qatar’s Modern Architect and Global Diplomat
Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, steered rapid economic growth via LNG, launched Al Jazeera and the Qatar Foundation, introduced a permanent constitution and the Qatar National Vision 2030, expanded press freedom, and boosted Qatar’s regional and global influence through diplomacy and hosting international events, before passing power to his son in 2013 and dying at 74.