How will Qatar’s Father Emir be remembered?

Qatar is mourning the passing of its Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who died at the age of 74. Known for his transformative leadership, Sheikh Hamad ruled the nation from 1995 until 2013, a period during which he voluntarily stepped aside and transferred power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

His 18-year reign was characterized by remarkable economic growth, with Qatar's economy expanding on an unprecedented scale. This period of development laid the foundation for the nation's emergence as a significant player not only within the Gulf region but also on the international stage. Sheikh Hamad is widely credited with overseeing the profound transformations that have shaped modern Qatar over the past three decades.

Discussions are now turning to the lessons that can be learned from his influential legacy. The article features insights from Ibrahim Al Ibrahim, a former economic adviser at the Office of the Emir of Qatar; Andreas Krieg, an Associate Professor at the School of Security Studies at King’s College London; and Patrick Theros, a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Gulf International Forum and former U.S. ambassador to Qatar, who will explore his impact.