Qatar's Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Passes Away at 74

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar passed away at the age of 74. He ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013. During this time, he was instrumental in making Qatar an important regional power. Later, he handed over the reins of the country to his son, Sheikh Tamim, who is now its leader. This was a rare case of an Arab ruler leaving power in the Gulf country to ensure a smooth transfer of power. He himself removed his father from power in a bloodless coup in 1995. Sheikh Hamad enhanced Qatar's global profile by developing the Al Jazeera television network and making a successful bid to host the 2022 Soccer World Cup tournament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday mourned the demise of the former ruler of Qatar and described him as a visionary leader who took the Gulf country to greater heights of development and prosperity. Modi said India remembers the late leader as a true friend. He had the good fortune of meeting him during his last visit to Qatar in February 2024.