Important minutes from the former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani | Articles about Obituaries

The a modern Qatari architectformer Emir ⁠Sheikh Hamad bin ⁠Khalifa Al Thani, has died at the age of 74.

Popularly known as Mr. Emir, ⁠Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013leaves behind a history that includes significant economic, social and cultural changes in Qatar, raising the profile of the Gulf state at the regional and international level.

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On time Rule 18 yearsQatar’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew more than 24-fold as the small country of about 2.5 million people became one of the largest exporters of natural gas (LNG).

Sheikh Hamad’s administration also saw the implementation of Qatar’s sustainable development laws and the implementation of Qatar National Vision 2030, a long-term strategy aimed at transforming the country into a knowledge-based economy and achieving sustainable development.

Here is a look at some important moments in the past life of the Qatari emir:

The path to leadership

Born in January 1952 in Doha, Sheikh Hamad was raised and received his early education in the city.

In 1971, he graduated from the British Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, United Kingdom, and joined the Qatari army, where he became a major general. He is known to have played a very important role in the development of military equipment in terms of governance, according to Amiri Diwan.

On May 31, 1977, Sheikh Hamad was appointed as the successor and Minister of Defense. On May 10, 1989, he was appointed chairman of the Supreme Council for Planning, where he was tasked with developing Qatar’s social and economic policies.

After a successful career in the military and high government positions, Sheikh Hamad assumed the leadership of Qatar on June 27, 1995. He remained the ruler of Qatar until June 25, 2013, when he transferred power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Economic changes

Under Sheikh Hamad’s leadership, Qatar saw rapid economic growth thanks to the growth of its energy sector.

He saw the country’s untapped North Field, the world’s largest non-contact natural gas field, as the cornerstone of Qatar’s future economic power, and invested heavily in the LNG sector. In 1996, the country began exporting LNG, the first export to Japan.

According to Amiri Diwan, in 2006, Qatar became the largest LNG market in the world, and in 2010, its LNG production capacity reached 77 million tons per year. Qatar’s LNG exports currently represent 20 percent of the global market, it said.

Apart from the energy sector, Sheikh Hamad has also developed reconstruction plans that have contributed to Qatar’s development in the fields of education, health, sports, culture and media.

In October 2001, he established the Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investment to oversee the economy, energy and financial affairs and distinguish foreign and domestic investment and sources of investment.

Freedom of the press and the establishment of Al Jazeera

A few months after assuming the post of emir of Qatar, in October 1995, Sheikh Hamad abolished censorship of the local press, in an effort to improve the freedom of the press in the country.

In 1996, he founded the Al Jazeera Media Network, which brought “dawn” to the Arab world and the world, according to Amiri Diwan.

Since its inception, Al Jazeera has become one of the world’s most popular broadcasters that broadcasts international, political and underreported news and gives voice to minorities through its news.

In August 1995, Sheikh Hamad established the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, which helped expand the country’s influence in media, education, and the arts.

Constitution and vision of the world

Sheikh Hamad played a major role in introducing democratic processes in the country after taking power. In March 1999, they introduced municipal elections, in which women were allowed to vote and stand as candidates.

On June 8, 2004, Sheikh Hamad led Qatar to adopt its first permanent constitution.

According to the Amiri Diwan, the constitution establishes “the first word, the foundation of democratic governance” and lays “an important pillar” to ensure the freedom and liberty of Qatari citizens.

In 2004, Sheikh Hamad launched the “Qatar National Vision 2030” to guide the country’s development and development and help it transform into a knowledge-based economy.

World history

Qatar’s political influence today extends to North Africa, the Middle East and Asia, with the country using its diplomacy to resolve a number of conflicts.

Sheikh Hamad has managed to represent the country in conflicts including the Hanish Islands conflict between Eritrea and Yemen in 1995, the war in Yemen between 2007 and 2010, the political crisis in Lebanon in 2008 and the Darfur peace process between 2010 and 2011, among others.

In October 2012, he became the first Arab leader journey Gaza, since the establishment of the international destruction of Palestine, which was strengthened after Hamas came to power in 2006.

Sheikh Hamad arrived with 90 tons of aid and pledged $400m to spend on buildings and infrastructure, when he received the leadership of Hamas in Gaza with an official visit, breaking the isolation of the Palestinian group, which disappointed Israel, its allies, and the Palestinian leaders supported by the West in the occupied West Bank.

Apart from the talks, the former leader also focused on reforming Qatar by presenting the country as a destination for international sports and entertainment.

In 2022, Qatar hosted the men’s FIFA World Cup, the most watched football tournament in the world. Sheikh Hamad received a standing ovation from fans after attending the tournament’s opening match.