Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani |
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Hamad in 2013
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| Emir of Qatar | |
| Reign | 27 June 1995 – 25 June 2013 |
| Predecessor | Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani |
| Successor | Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani |
| Regent |
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| Father Emir of Qatar | |
| Reign | 25 June 2013 – 12 July 2026 |
| Regent | Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani |
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| Born | Hamad bin Khalifa bin Hamad bin Abdullah bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani 1 January 1952 Doha, Qatar |
| Died | 12 July 2026 (aged 74) Qatar on 12th July 2026 |
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| Issue | See link |
| House | Thani |
| Father | Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani |
| Mother | Aisha bint Hamad Al Attiyah |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  Qatar |
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Branch
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Qatar Armed Forces |
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Service years
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1995–2013 |
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Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (Arabic: حمد بن خليفة آل ثاني) was a very important leader in Qatar. He was a member of Qatar's royal family, the House of Thani. He served as the Emir, or ruler, of Qatar from 1995 until 2013. In 2013, he decided to hand over power to his son, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Because of his important role, the Qatari government now calls him the Father Emir. He passed away on July 12, 2026.
During his time as Emir, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani helped Qatar grow a lot. The country became very rich because of its natural gas. He also started the Al Jazeera news network and helped Qatar host big international events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He worked to make Qatar a well-known country around the world.
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Early Years and Education
Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was born in 1952. His mother passed away when he was young, and his uncle raised him.
He studied at the British Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England, and graduated in 1971. After returning to Qatar, he quickly rose through the ranks in the armed forces. He became a commander and then the army chief of staff. By 1977, he was the commander-in-chief of Qatar's armed forces and also the Minister of Defense.
In 1977, he was named the Heir Apparent, meaning he was next in line to become Emir. He helped guide Qatar's economic and social plans. From 1992, his father began giving him more responsibility for running the country, especially for developing Qatar's oil and natural gas. On June 27, 1995, he became the Emir of Qatar.
Reign as Emir (1995–2013)
Hamad became the Emir of Qatar in 1995. This happened when his father was traveling. His father later returned to Qatar in 2004.
After he became Emir, there was an attempt by some people to change the leadership in 1996, but it was not successful.
His second wife, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned, played a big role in helping children and promoting education. In 1995, Sheikh Hamad and Sheikha Moza started the Qatar Foundation. This organization works to support education, science, and community development in Qatar.
Sheikh Hamad loved sports and helped Qatar become more involved in international sports. Qatar won an Olympic medal in track and field during his rule. The country also hosted many big sports events, like the 2006 Asian Games. He also started the Qatar Open Tennis Championship.
During his time as Emir, the Qatari government helped create the Al Jazeera news network in 1996. This network became a very important source of news for many people around the world. Some people believed the Emir had a lot of influence over Al Jazeera, but the network said it was independent.
In 2010, Qatar won the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This was a huge achievement, making Qatar the first country in the Middle East to host this major global football event.
How Qatar Was Governed
During Hamad's rule, Qatar was governed by the Emir, who had the main authority. There were no political parties allowed, and national news outlets practiced self-censorship.
Qatar's Wealth from Oil and Gas
Hamad focused on using Qatar's large oil fields and huge natural gas reserves to make the country prosperous. By 2010, Qatar was producing a lot of liquefied natural gas. This made Qatar one of the richest countries in the world per person. The average income for people in Qatar grew significantly.
In 2005, the Qatar Investment Authority was created. This fund manages the country's extra money from oil and natural gas. This authority invested in many businesses around the world. For example, it bought the famous Harrods department store in London and the French football club Paris Saint-Germain. It also invested in tall buildings like The Shard in London and many hotels.
Qatar also invested in major companies like Volkswagen, Siemens, and Barclays Bank. These investments helped Qatar become a powerful player in the global economy.
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Culture and Education in Qatar
In the arts, Hamad started the Qatar Museums Authority in 2005. This led to the building of the beautiful Museum of Islamic Art, Doha. Qatar became a big buyer of modern art.
The Doha Film Institute was also created in 2009. It worked with the Tribeca Film Festival to create the Doha Tribeca Film Festival. This institute helps produce movies, including animated films and others starring famous actors.
With the support of Hamad and his wife Sheikha Moza, many well-known universities opened campuses in Doha. These included Carnegie Mellon University, Georgetown University, and Weill Cornell Medical College. This helped make Qatar a center for learning and research.
Retirement and Later Life
On June 25, 2013, Hamad announced on television that he was giving power to his son, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He said it was time for a new generation to lead the nation.
Since then, he has been known as the Father Emir. His son, Tamim, is now the current Emir of Qatar.
Hamad had some health challenges over the years. In 2015, he received medical treatment after breaking his leg. He also had kidney transplants and was on dialysis.
Death
Hamad passed away on July 12, 2026, at the age of 74.
Foreign Relations
The Emir made a large donation to help the city of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He also played a key role in helping to stop fighting during the 2006 Lebanon War and supported relief efforts.
In 2012, the Emir suggested seeking ways to help reduce violence in the Syrian civil war. Qatar also provided military bases for foreign troops.
Qatar had discussions with Israel in the past. However, Qatar ended diplomatic ties with Israel in 2009 because of actions during the Gaza War. The Emir also expressed concerns about Israeli settlement policies.
Efforts in Palestine and Syria
In October 2012, the Emir made an important visit to Gaza. He was the first head of state to visit since 2006. During his visit, he announced a large reconstruction project and humanitarian aid for the area.
Qatar provided humanitarian aid to support the Palestinian people. Qatar also worked to help discussions between different groups in the region.
The Qatari government has introduced new laws to fight terrorism and stop the funding of terrorism. In 2020, the US State Department thanked Qatar for its efforts against terrorism and its role in global efforts to defeat ISIS.
Marriages and Children
Sheikh Hamad had three wives and twenty-four children: eleven sons and thirteen daughters.
- His first wife was Sheikha Mariam bint Muhammad Al Thani. They had two sons and six daughters:
- Sheikh Mishaal bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (born 1972)
- Sheikh Fahad bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
- Sheikha Aisha bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
- Sheikha Fatima bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
- Sheikha Rawdah bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
- Sheikha Hessa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
- Sheikha Mashael bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
- Sheikha Sara bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
- His second wife was Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned (born 1959). They had five sons and two daughters:
- Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (born 1978)
- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (born 1980) – the current Emir of Qatar.
- Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (born 1983)
- Sheikha Hind bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (born 1984)
- Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (born 1986)
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (born 1988)
- Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (born 1991)
- His third wife was Sheikha Noora bint Khalid Al Thani. They had four sons and five daughters:
- Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (born 1986)
- Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (born 1988) – Deputy Emir of Qatar.
- Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (born 1994)
- Sheikh Al Qaqa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (born 2000)
- Sheikha Luluwah bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
- Sheikha Maha bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
- Sheikha Dana bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
- Sheikha Al Anoud bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
- Sheikha Mariam bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
Titles, Styles, Honours and Awards
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani received many titles and awards during his life.
Titles Held by Sheikh Hamad
- 1952 – 1972: Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
- 1972 – 1977: His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
- 1977 – 1995: His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Crown Prince of Qatar
- 1995 – 2013: His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar
- 2013 – 2026: His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Father Emir of Qatar
Awards and Recognitions
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Sheikh Hamad received many honors from Qatar and other countries around the world. These awards recognized his leadership and contributions.
- From Qatar, he was a Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Independence and the Order of Merit.
- He also received high honors from countries like Albania, Austria, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cuba, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Malta, Morocco, The Netherlands, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, The Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, the United Kingdom, Venezuela, and Yemen.
He was also made an Honorary Citizen of Tirana, Albania. The International Association of Athletics Federations gave him the Golden Order of Merit. Foreign Policy Magazine recognized him as a "Top 100 Global Thinker" for his leadership in the Middle East.
See also
In Spanish: Hamad bin Jalifa Al Thani para niños
