Srinagar, July 13 -- Former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at the age of 74, according to Qatar's state media. Widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar, Sheikh Hamad transformed the Gulf nation from a little-known state into one of the world's most influential players through its vast natural gas wealth, global investments, diplomacy, media, and strategic partnerships.
During his reign from 1995 to 2013, Sheikh Hamad oversaw the launch of Al Jazeera, expanded Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, established the Al Udeid Air Base as a key US military hub, strengthened the Qatar Investment Authority's global portfolio, and laid the foundation for Qatar's successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup....