Former Qatar ruler Sheikh Hamad, a moderniser who seized power, has died

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the former emir of Qatar who dramatically modernized the nation and seized power in a 1995 coup, has died at the age of 74. His death was announced by the Amiri Diwan, Qatar's top government body, on Sunday morning.

During his 18-year rule, Sheikh Hamad reshaped Qatar into a global energy player by developing its liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure. He also significantly boosted the country's international profile by establishing the influential Al Jazeera media network and securing the hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which spurred extensive infrastructure development in Doha.

Beyond economic and media influence, Sheikh Hamad carved out a diplomatic niche for Qatar as a mediator in various regional conflicts, including those in Lebanon, Yemen, and Darfur. He maintained complex relationships, hosting U.S. Central Command while also engaging with Iran and its allies, laying the groundwork for Qatar's current role in mediating between the U.S. and Iran, and in efforts to resolve the Gaza conflict.

His foreign policy during the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings saw Qatar back revolutionary movements and Islamist groups, a stance that drew criticism from some Gulf neighbors like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who viewed these actions as destabilizing. This approach elevated Qatar's regional standing but also intensified tensions within the Gulf Cooperation Council.

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I wanted a new generation with their innovative ideas and active energies to take over.