Former Emir Hamad Bin Khalifa Transformed Qatar Into Regional Powerhouse

The death of former Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani at age 74 marks the end of a transformative era for Qatar and the Middle East. Taking power in a quiet 1995 coup against his father, Hamad reshaped Qatar from a small, relatively marginal Gulf state into a global energy giant and influential regional player. By the time he handed power to his son Tamim in 2013, Qatar had become one of the wealthiest countries per capita, a major liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter, and a diplomatic mediator in conflicts from Lebanon to Sudan and Gaza.

Hamad’s greatest achievement was harnessing Qatar’s vast natural gas reserves, fueling economic growth and enabling an ambitious foreign policy. He also founded Al Jazeera in 1996, turning Qatar into a media powerhouse that shaped Arab public discourse and extended its influence globally. Qatar’s diplomatic strategy under Hamad was pragmatic and multifaceted, maintaining ties with the US, Iran, Hamas, and Israel simultaneously. This included partial normalization with Israel in the 1990s, with reciprocal visits and economic cooperation.

Hamad’s legacy is complex, especially for Israel, as Qatar became a key patron of Hamas politically and financially. Yet, his policy of engaging all sides reflected his vision of Qatar as a small state with outsized influence. He also laid the groundwork for Qatar hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a national project to boost its global profile and modernize the country.

His son, Emir Tamim bin Hamad, has continued his father’s strategic approach with a more moderate style, maintaining investments in gas, regional mediation, US alliances, and support for Palestinians. Hamad’s long illness, including diabetes and kidney disease, led him to transfer power early, setting a Gulf precedent.

Hamad bin Khalifa’s passing is not only a national loss but also the departure of one of the most daring and influential Arab leaders of the last generation. Qatar in 2026 still follows the strategy he crafted three decades ago: small in size, but large in impact.