Sheikh Hamad, the ruler who transformed Qatar into a global power

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former emir of Qatar who transformed the Gulf state from a relatively low-profile monarchy into an influential global player in energy, diplomacy and investment, died on Sunday, 12 July, at the age of 74.

His death marked the end of an era in which Qatar emerged as one of the world’s most consequential small states, using its vast natural gas reserves, international diplomacy and global investments to project influence far beyond its geography.

Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 after taking power from his father, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, in a bloodless palace coup while the elder ruler was abroad.

The transition initially drew controversy, but Sheikh Hamad’s 18-year rule reshaped nearly every aspect of Qatar’s political and economic identity.

In 2013, he made another unusual move in Gulf politics by voluntarily handing power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The decision made him one of the few hereditary rulers in the region to step aside while still alive and paved the way for a smooth succession.

The defining achievement of Sheikh Hamad’s reign was the transformation of Qatar’s natural gas resources into a foundation for global influence.

When he came to power, Qatar was already aware of the potential of the North Field, the world’s largest natural gas field, which it shares with Iran.

Under Sheikh Hamad’s leadership, Qatar accelerated the development of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, partnering with international energy companies and building the infrastructure needed to become one of the world’s largest LNG exporters.

The revenues generated from LNG transformed Qatar’s economy and funded a global expansion strategy spanning sovereign investments, aviation, education, infrastructure and diplomacy.

But Sheikh Hamad’s legacy extended far beyond energy.

In 1996, his government launched Al Jazeera, an Arabic news channel that quickly became one of the most influential media organizations in the Arab world.

The network gave Qatar a powerful voice in regional affairs and helped establish Doha as a diplomatic and political center, although it also became a source of disputes with neighbouring governments over its coverage and editorial positions.

His government also expanded Qatar’s international presence through institutions such as Qatar Airways, the Qatar Investment Authority and Education City, seeking to position the country as a hub for business, research and global engagement.

Another defining moment came in 2010, when Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The tournament became a symbol of the country’s ambitions, bringing massive infrastructure development and global attention.

It also exposed Qatar to international criticism over migrant labor conditions, human rights concerns and questions surrounding the bidding process.

Sheikh Hamad’s foreign policy was built around the idea that Qatar’s size could be overcome through diplomacy. During his rule, Doha positioned itself as a mediator in regional conflicts, maintaining relationships across rival political camps.

Qatar played roles in mediation efforts involving Lebanon, Sudan and other regional disputes. At the same time, its foreign policy attracted criticism from some Gulf neighbours over its ties with political movements and its independent approach to regional affairs.

For India, Sheikh Hamad’s era coincided with one of the most important phases in the development of bilateral ties with Doha.

Energy formed the foundation of the relationship. Qatar emerged as one of India’s largest LNG suppliers, helping meet the needs of a rapidly growing economy seeking reliable sources of natural gas. The partnership between the two countries expanded through long-term energy agreements, trade and investment.

The relationship was also shaped by Qatar’s large Indian community, one of the biggest expatriate populations in the country.

Indian professionals and workers became an important part of Qatar’s economic growth story, while people-to-people links strengthened diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Doha.

During Sheikh Hamad’s rule, India’s engagement with Qatar began moving beyond traditional energy and labour connections toward broader economic cooperation.

The relationship later expanded into areas including investment, technology, security and strategic cooperation.

India recognized the importance of Sheikh Hamad’s contribution to bilateral ties after his death by declaring one day of national mourning.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as a visionary leader who guided Qatar’s development and prosperity, and remembered him as a friend of India.

The story of Sheikh Hamad is ultimately the story of a small country that refused to remain small.

He inherited a state with enormous gas reserves but limited global influence. Over nearly two decades, he built the foundations of a country that became an energy giant, diplomatic intermediary, media power and global investor.

His legacy will remain debated, as all major political legacies are. His supporters see him as the architect of modern Qatar; critics point to the controversies surrounding the country’s foreign policy and governance model.

But few leaders have altered the international position of their country as dramatically as Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani changed Qatar.