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 |
| Prime Minister |
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| Heir Apparent |
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| Born | 1 January 1952 Doha, Qatar |
| Spouse |
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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 |
| Service/ |
Qatar Armed Forces |
| Years of service | 1995 - 2013 |
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Hamad bin Abdullah bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani (Arabic: حمد بن خليفة آل ثاني; born 1 January 1952) is a member of the royal Al Thani family of Qatar. He was the leader, or Emir, of Qatar from 1995 to 2013. In 2013, he decided to step down and gave power to his son, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Today, he is known as the Father Emir.
Hamad became Emir after taking power from his father, Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, in 1995. This change happened peacefully. During his 18 years as ruler, Qatar became very rich because of its natural gas. It became one of the wealthiest countries in the world per person. Many important events happened in Qatar during his time, like the 2006 Asian Games and the decision to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He also started the Qatar Investment Authority, which invested billions of dollars around the world. He also founded the news channel Al Jazeera.
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Early Life and Education
Hamad was born in 1952. His mother passed away when he was young, and his uncle helped raise him.
He studied at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Britain and finished in 1971. After returning to Qatar, he quickly rose through the ranks in the armed forces. By 1977, he became the Minister of Defense.
In 1977, Hamad was named the future leader, or Heir Apparent, of Qatar. He held this role until 1995. In the early 1990s, his father started giving him more responsibility for running the country, especially for developing Qatar's oil and natural gas. On 27 June 1995, Hamad became the Emir of Qatar.
His Time as Emir (1995–2013)
With his family's support, Hamad became Emir in 1995 while his father was on vacation. His father then lived outside Qatar for some years before returning in 2001.
Hamad worked to prevent any attempts to take power from him. In 1996, there was an attempt to overthrow him, but it failed.
His second wife, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned, played a big role in promoting education and helping children. In 1995, Sheikh Hamad and Sheikha Moza started the Qatar Foundation. This organization supports education, science, and community development.
Hamad loved sports and helped Qatar become more involved in international sports. Qatar won an Olympic medal and hosted many big events, like the 2006 Asian Games and major soccer championships. He also started the Qatar Open Tennis Championship.
Under his rule, the Qatari government helped fund the Al Jazeera news network. This network became very famous worldwide for its news coverage.
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 sporting event.
Qatar's Growth and Wealth
Hamad focused on making Qatar a strong country by using its huge oil and natural gas reserves. By 2010, Qatar was producing a lot of natural gas. This made Qatar one of the richest countries in the world. The average income for people in Qatar became very high.
In 2005, Hamad helped create the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). This is a special fund that manages Qatar's extra money from oil and gas. The QIA invested in many famous businesses and properties around the world. For example, it bought the Harrods department store in London and the Paris Saint-Germain F.C. football club. It also invested in companies like Barclays Bank and Volkswagen. Qatar became a major owner of property in London, including The Shard, which is a very tall building.
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Culture and Education
Hamad also supported arts and culture. In 2005, he started the Qatar Museums Authority. This led to the building of the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, which is a beautiful museum. Qatar also became a big buyer of modern art.
He also established the Doha Film Institute in 2009. This institute helps make movies and works with famous film festivals.
Under Hamad and his wife Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser Al-Missned, many top universities from around the world opened campuses in Doha. These include Carnegie Mellon University and Georgetown University. This helped make Qatar a center for learning.
Retirement
On 25 June 2013, Hamad announced on TV 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 country.
Since then, he is known as the Father Emir. His son Tamim is now the current Emir of Qatar.
Foreign Relations
Hamad was involved in many international efforts. He donated $100 million to help New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He also helped with a ceasefire during the 2006 Lebanon War.
In 2012, he suggested sending Arab troops to help stop the fighting in the Syrian civil war. Qatar also hosted two U.S. military bases during his rule.
He tried to have good relations with Israel, even meeting with Israel's Foreign Minister in 2007. However, Qatar ended diplomatic ties with Israel in 2009 because of actions during the Gaza War.
Support for Palestine
In October 2012, Hamad made a historic visit to Gaza. He was the first head of state to visit since 2006. While there, he promised $400 million in aid to help build projects and hospitals in Gaza. Qatar has also worked to help bring peace between different Palestinian groups.
Qatar has introduced laws to fight terrorism and stop money laundering. In 2020, the U.S. thanked Qatar for its efforts against terrorism and its role in fighting groups like ISIS.
Family Life
Sheikh Hamad has three wives and many children. His children include:
- Sheikh Mishaal bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who is the current Emir of Qatar.
- Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
- Sheikha Hind bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
Images for kids
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Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani with Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned
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