Former Qatar Emir Sheikh H. bin Khalifa Al Thani dies

Sheikh H. bin Khalifa Al Thani, who led Qatar for nearly two decades, has passed away. He ruled the Gulf nation from 1995 to 2013, handing over power to his son, the current Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in an unusual voluntary transition for the hereditary monarchy.

During his tenure, Sheikh H. bin Khalifa Al Thani transformed Qatar, modernizing the state and significantly boosting its global diplomatic footprint. He oversaw a substantial expansion of natural gas extraction, positioning the country as one of the world's largest exporters. His leadership also attracted foreign investment and secured Qatar's bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The former emir also founded Al Jazeera, which has become a major and influential broadcaster in the Arab world. Despite these developments, human rights organizations have sharply criticized the exploitation of workers, particularly migrants, involved in his modernization projects.

He is survived by three wives and 24 children. The Al Thani dynasty has ruled Qatar since the 19th century, and the country gained independence from Britain in 1971.