Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Dies at 74, Oversaw Qatar's Economic Transformation

The 'father' of Qatar, Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has passed away at the age of 74. During his 18-year reign, Sheikh Hamad reshaped the energy-rich country's domestic and global presence.

When he took power in 1995, Qatar's economy was small and primarily dependent on oil. At that time, the vast gas reserves of the North Field were in the early stages of development.