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Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

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Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
Born (1952-01-01) January 1, 1952 (age 74)
Qatar
OccupationEmir of Qatar (1995–2013)
Years active1995–2013
Known forEmir of Qatar, founder of Qatar Investment Authority, founder of Al Jazeera

Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (; born 1 January 1952) belongs to Qatar's ruling family, the House of Thani. He served as the Emir of Qatar from 1995 until his abdication in 2013, when he passed leadership to his fourth son, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, born to his second wife, Moza bint Nassir. The Qatari authorities honor him with the title Father Emir.

In 1995, Hamad took control from his father, Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, through a peaceful palace coup. During his 18 years in power, Qatar’s natural gas output expanded to 77 million tonnes, elevating the nation to the position of the world's highest GDP per capita, with an average income of US$86,440 per year. His administration was marked by Qatar hosting significant sporting and diplomatic gatherings such as the 2006 Asian Games, the 2012 UN Climate Change Conference, and winning the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

He founded the Qatar Investment Authority, which by 2013 had deployed over $100 billion into global assets including The Shard, Barclays Bank, Heathrow Airport, Harrods, Paris Saint-Germain F.C., Volkswagen, Siemens, and Royal Dutch Shell.

Hamad ruled without allowing opposition political parties and maintained key strategic partnerships, notably hosting two U.S. military installations and engaging diplomatically with Iran. He also launched the influential media outlet Al Jazeera and played a role in mediating talks between the U.S. and the Taliban. In June 2013, he declared his decision to step down and transfer authority to his son Tamim.

Early years and education

Born in 1952, Hamad was raised by his uncle following his mother’s early passing. He completed his education at the British Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1971 and was commissioned as a lieutenant colonel in Qatar’s armed forces. Soon after, he took command of a mobile brigade later named the "Hamad Brigade." By 1972, he had attained the rank of general and served as army chief of staff before being promoted to commander-in-chief with major general status. In 1977, he was appointed minister of defense.

That same year, Hamad was designated Heir Apparent of Qatar, a role he maintained until 1995. In the early 1980s, he led the Supreme Planning Council overseeing Qatar’s economic and social strategies. Beginning in 1992, his father gradually transferred daily governance responsibilities to him, including management of Qatar’s oil and natural gas sectors, effectively positioning Hamad as the de facto ruler while financial control remained with his father. On 27 June 1995, Hamad assumed full authority through a palace coup and was formally crowned Emir on 20 June 2000.

Reign as Emir (1995–2013)

With backing from family members, Hamad orchestrated a bloodless coup d'état in 1995 while his father Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani was in Geneva, officially becoming Qatar’s Emir. This takeover followed a conflict over power after Khalifa attempted to reclaim authority previously delegated to Hamad. His father went into exile until returning in 2001.

To deter any countercoup attempts, Hamad hired an American law firm to freeze his father’s foreign bank accounts. In February 1996, an unsuccessful counter-coup led by former Economy Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani implicated several regional allies including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Breaking with customary practice, his second wife, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned, emerged as a leading advocate for education and child welfare. Together they established the Qatar Foundation in 1995 to promote educational advancement and social development within Qatar.

An enthusiastic sportsman and diver himself, Hamad championed athletics across Qatar, enhancing its global profile through accomplishments such as an Olympic track medal and hosting prominent events like the 2006 Asian Games and the ATP Qatar Open Tennis Championship—now one of the premier tennis tournaments in the Middle East.

During Hamad’s reign, Qatar funded the Al Jazeera news network via emiri decree. Although officially independent, diplomats regarded Hamad as exerting significant influence behind the scenes. Initial funding amounted to US$137 million aiming for financial independence through advertising by 2001; when this goal was unmet, successive loans were provided by the Emir. In 2001, U.S. officials pressured him to close Al Jazeera due to its critical reporting on America. By 2005, amid ongoing international scrutiny, Qatar considered privatizing the network.

In 2010, Qatar won the rights to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Middle Eastern nation awarded this prestigious event after competing against bids from Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the United States.

Autocratic Governance

Qatar, under Hamad's leadership, operated as an autocracy characterized by the absence of formal political opposition and a media landscape dominated by self-regulation and censorship.

Energy Wealth and Economic Transformation

Hamad played a pivotal role in elevating Qatar from a modest desert nation to a prominent global force by capitalizing on extensive oil reserves and cultivating the world's third-largest natural gas deposits. By 2010, the country's liquefied natural gas output had climbed to 77 million tons, positioning Qatar as the wealthiest nation worldwide with an average per capita income of $86,440. According to Qatar analyst Olivier Da Lage, Hamad successfully achieved his vision of establishing Qatar's global prominence through rapid development of its gas resources within an 18-year span, significantly boosting both its economic power and international influence.

In 2005, together with Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, Hamad founded the Qatar Investment Authority, a sovereign wealth fund responsible for managing revenues derived from oil and gas. Through QIA and its subsidiaries, Qatar acquired numerous high-profile international assets, including London's luxury retailer Harrods, Parisian department store Printemps, French football club Paris Saint-Germain F.C., a former 10% ownership in Porsche, majority control (75%) of Miramax Films, a 2% share in media giant Vivendi, a $100 million stake in Chernin Group, a 1% holding in luxury conglomerate Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, a 6% investment in Credit Suisse, and a 12.6% position in Barclays. Additionally, they supported Glencore's $31 billion bid to acquire Xstrata.

Qatar holds the title of largest property owner in London, with significant real estate such as the UK's tallest skyscraper The Shard, the London Olympic Village, and the luxury InterContinental London Park Lane hotel. Their real estate portfolio also extends to prestigious hotels in Cannes, including the Majestic Hotel, Grand Hyatt Cannes Hôtel Martinez, and Carlton Hotel. The QIA was among leading contenders for acquisitions of both Anschutz Entertainment Group and streaming platform Hulu. By May 2013, negotiations were ongoing concerning potential purchases of upscale retailers Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

Media outlets revealed that in February 2011, Sheikh Hamad submitted a £1.65 billion offer for ownership of Manchester United F.C. via Qatari Holdings, demonstrating Qatar's growing footprint in international football following its successful bid to host the 2022 World Cup and sponsorship agreements like the Qatar Foundation's £125 million shirt sponsorship with FC Barcelona. Mid-2011 rumors suggested another possible £2 billion acquisition attempt connected to player transfer funding at Manchester United. In 2012, speculation arose regarding bids for Scottish club Rangers F.C., alongside an unconfirmed offer made in March 2012 to purchase Albanian team KF Tirana.

Cultural Initiatives and Educational Expansion

In the realm of arts and culture, Hamad initiated the establishment of the Qatar Museums Authority in 2005, which oversaw the creation of the iconic Museum of Islamic Art Doha, designed by architect I. M. Pei. Since its inauguration, Qatar has emerged as the leading purchaser of contemporary art worldwide, notably securing Cézanne's The Card Players in 2012 for more than $250 million. Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed Al Thani, president of Qatar's National Council for Culture, Arts and Heritage, frequently represented these cultural acquisitions.

The Museum Authority has sponsored significant exhibitions including Takashi Murakami’s EGO show held in Doha (2012), Damien Hirst’s retrospectives at Tate Modern (2012), as well as his Relics exhibition spanning 2013–2014. In July 2013, QMA collaborated with designer Miuccia Prada and the Prada Foundation to launch CURATE, an international initiative seeking emerging curatorial talent.

Founded in 2009, the Doha Film Institute partnered with the Tribeca Film Festival to produce the Doha Tribeca Film Festival from 2009 until 2012. The institute is currently developing an animated film adaptation of Khalil Gibran's The Prophet, produced by Salma Hayek and directed by Roger Allers, known for his work on Lion King. DFI's production credits also include Just Like a Woman featuring actress Sienna Miller; Mira Nair’s film The Reluctant Fundamentalist; and Kanye West’s short film Cruel Summer, filmed in Doha and premiered at Cannes Film Festival in 2012. In 2013, DFI announced a $100 million feature film fund co-founded with Participant Media, led by billionaire Jeffrey Skoll.

Supported by Hamad and his spouse Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser Al-Missned, several prestigious academic institutions have established campuses in Doha. These include branches of Carnegie Mellon University, Georgetown University, Northwestern University, Texas A&M University, and Weill Cornell Medical College.

Retirement and later life

On 25 June 2013, Hamad formally handed over authority to his son, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, during a broadcasted address, declaring: "It is time to turn a new chapter in our nation's history, entrusting the responsibilities to a new generation." Following his retirement, he has been referred to as the Father Emir. His successor, Tamim, who is his fourth son with his second spouse Moza bint Nasser, currently serves as the Emir of Qatar.

Hamad has endured various health issues over the years. In December 2015, he was transported to Zurich, Switzerland, for medical care after sustaining a leg fracture while vacationing in Morocco's Atlas Mountains. He received his initial kidney transplant in 1997 and has undergone at least one additional transplant since then. Presently, the former emir is undergoing dialysis treatment.

Foreign relations

Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Emir contributed $100 million toward relief efforts in New Orleans. He was instrumental in facilitating the ceasefire during the 2006 Lebanon War and played a major role in supporting reconstruction initiatives.

In 2012, Hamad advocated for the deployment of Arab military forces aimed at reducing violence amid the Syrian civil war. Qatar provided two strategic military installations for foreign troops: Al Udeid Air Base and Camp As Sayliyah.

Although many Arab nations opposed Israel, Hamad maintained cordial relations with the country, notably meeting Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni in 2007—the first such encounter by a leader from the Persian Gulf region. Nevertheless, Qatar cut diplomatic relations with Israel in 2009 after the Gaza War (2008–09). The emir was also critical of Israeli settlement expansions, especially concerning the Judaization of Jerusalem.

Palestine and Syria

In October 2012, Hamad undertook a landmark visit to Gaza, becoming the first sitting head of state to do so since Hamas's 2006 election and the imposition of Israel's blockade. He entered via Egypt and was reportedly initiating a $254 million project focused on reconstruction while addressing Palestinian citizens. Despite security arrangements by Palestine’s interior ministry, disturbances occurred during his stay.

During this visit, the Emir committed US$400 million in humanitarian assistance to Hamas for infrastructure development and hospital construction. Despite Qatar’s connections with Hamas, it continues to maintain diplomatic and commercial relations with Israel.

In December 2012, The New York Times alleged that Qatar was providing financial support to the Al-Nusra Front, designated as a terrorist group by the United States. Additional scrutiny arose due to Hamad’s Gaza visit and interactions with Hamas’s armed faction, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. Qatar refutes these claims, underscoring its approach aimed at promoting constructive dialogue between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

To combat terrorism and its financing, Qatar enacted anti-terrorism laws in 2004, 2010, 2014, and 2017. Further legislation addressing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing was introduced in 2019.

In August 2020, Nathan Sales, Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the US State Department, visited Doha to acknowledge Qatar’s counterterrorism initiatives, discuss recent legal measures, and recognize its participation in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.

Investments

In 2013, Sheikh Hamad founded the Qatar Investment Authority, which has deployed over $100 billion worldwide in various assets such as The Shard, Barclays Bank, Heathrow Airport, Harrods, Paris Saint-Germain F.C., Siemens, and Royal Dutch Shell. The fund owns approximately a 17% share in the Volkswagen Group and holds additional stakes in companies like Porsche, Hochtief, and Sainsbury's.

Hamad is also the proprietor of Afrodille S.A., which maintains banking relationships in Luxembourg and holds equity in South African enterprises. He previously controlled majority ownership in Rienne S.A. and Yalis S.A., both of which kept term deposits with the Bank of China in Luxembourg. A family member, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, who served as Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister, possessed a 25% interest in these firms.

Marriages and children

Sheikh Hamad has three spouses and fathered twenty-four children, consisting of eleven sons and thirteen daughters.

  • His first spouse, Sheikha Mariam bint Muhammad Al Thani—his first cousin and daughter of Sheikh Muhammad bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani—had two sons and six daughters:
    • Sheikh Mishaal bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (born 1972) – served as heir apparent from 1995 to 1996
    • Sheikh Fahad bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
    • Sheikha Aisha, Fatima, Rawdah, Hessa, Mashael, and Sara bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani; Sara acts as Program Coordinator for Reach Out to Asia-Qatar (ROTAQ)
  • His third spouse, Sheikha Noora bint Khalid Al Thani—also his first cousin and daughter of former Interior Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani—has four sons and five daughters:
    • Sheikh Khalid, Abdullah – serving as Deputy Emir since 2014, Thani (born 1994), and Al Qaqa (born 2000)
    • Sheikha Luluwah, Maha, Dana, Al Anoud, and Mariam bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

Titles

  • 1 January 1952 – 22 February 1972: Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
  • 22 February 1972 – 1977: His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
  • 1977 – 27 June 1995: His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Crown Prince of Qatar
  • 27 June 1995 – 25 June 2013: His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar
  • 25 June 2013 – present: His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Father Emir of Qatar

National honours

  • Qatar:
    • Former Sovereign Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Independence
    • Former Sovereign Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit

International Decorations

  • Albania: Awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of George Castriot Skanderbeg; Holder of the National Flag Order
  • Austria: Bestowed with the Grand Star of the Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria
  • Bahrain: Recipient of the Collar of the Order of Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa
  • Bulgaria: Conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Balkan Mountains
  • Croatia: Awarded the Grand Cross of the Grand Order of King Tomislav
  • Cuba: Member of the Order of José Martí
  • Dominican Republic: Holder of the Grand Cross Special Class of the Order of Merit of Duarte, Sánchez and Mella
  • Egypt: Recipient of the Collar of the Order of the Nile
  • Finland: Awarded the Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the White Rose
  • France: Holder of the Grand Cross of the National Order of the Legion of Honour
  • Germany: Bestowed with the Grand Cross Special Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic
  • Greece: Awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer
  • Indonesia: Holder of First Class in the Order of the Star of Mahaputera
  • Italy: Conferred Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit
  • Ivory Coast: Recipient of Grand Cross with Collar of the National Order
  • Jordan: Awarded Grand Cordon with Collar of the Order of Al-Hussein bin Ali
  • Kuwait: Holder of the Collar of the Order of Mubarak the Great
  • Lebanon: Received Extraordinary Grade of the Order of Merit; also Grand Cordon of the National Order of the Cedar
  • Malaysia: Honorary Recipient of the Order of the Crown of the Realm
  • Malta: Honorary Companion with Collar in National Order of Merit
  • Morocco: Awarded Collar of the Order of Muhammad
  • The Netherlands: Bestowed Knight Grand Cross in Order of the Netherlands Lion
  • North Macedonia: Holder First Class in Order 8-September
  • Oman: Member Special Class and Knight Grand Cross (Order of Merit) recipient
  • Pakistan: Recipient of Nishan-e-Pakistan
  • Peru: Awarded Grand Cross in Order of the Sun (2013)
  • Philippines: Holder of Grand Collar (Supremo) in Order of Lakandula
  • Portugal: Recipient Grand Collar in Order of Prince Henry
  • Romania: Awarded Collar in Order of the Star
  • Saudi Arabia: Holder Collar in Order of King Abdulaziz
  • Senegal: Bestowed Grand Cross in National Order of the Lion
  • South Africa: Recipient Grand Cross with Collar, Order of Good Hope
  • Spain: Holder Collar in Order of Isabella the Catholic
  • Thailand: Knight in Order of Rajamitrabhorn
  • Tunisia: Awarded Grand Cordon in Order of 7 November
  • United Kingdom:
    • Honorary Knight Grand Cross, Order of the Bath
    • Honorary Knight Grand Cross, Order St Michael and St George
  • Venezuela:
    • Holder Grand Cordon, Order of the Liberator; also Grand Cross, Order Francisco de Miranda
  • Yemen: Recipient Grand Cross, Order of the Republic

Distinctions

  • Albania
    • Tirana: Designated Honorary Citizen by Tirana city authorities
  • Monaco
  • United States
    • Foreign Policy Magazine: Listed among Top 100 Global Thinkers - "Recognized for addressing leadership void in Middle East."

See also


External links

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