Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, known as the 'Father Emir' of Qatar, has died at the age of 74. During his 18-year rule from 1995 to 2013, Qatar transformed from a small, oil-dependent economy into a major global energy exporter and investment powerhouse. Under his leadership, the country began large-scale gas extraction and liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, becoming the world’s largest LNG exporter within 15 years.

Qatar’s GDP grew from about 8 billion dollars in 1995 to nearly 199 billion dollars in 2013, driven by rapid expansion in the gas sector. Sheikh Hamad established the Qatar Investment Authority in 2005 to channel surplus energy revenues into global investments, including stakes in Barclays, Volkswagen, and Harrods. He also prioritized education, healthcare, and infrastructure, founding the Qatar Foundation and initiating projects such as Hamad International Airport and Lusail City.

His long-term vision, embodied in the Qatar National Vision 2030, aimed to reduce reliance on natural resources and build a knowledge-based economy. Analysts credit Sheikh Hamad with laying the foundation for Qatar’s sustained prosperity and global economic influence.