Former Emir of Qatar Al Thani dies. Meloni: ‘He changed the course of his nation’s history’

The former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has died at the age of 74, according to a statement from the country’s Amiri Diwan. Al Jazeera reports this. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was the father of the current Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and served as Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013, after having peacefully deposed his father, Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, whilst the latter was abroad. ‘With hearts steadfast in faith in God’s will and destiny, the Amiri Diwan mourns the great loss to the nation of the late Sheikh – may God have mercy on him – His Highness the Emir’s father, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away this morning,” the Amiri Diwan said in a statement.

 ‘It is with deep sadness that I have learnt of the passing of the Father Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,’ commented Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was one of those rare leaders who changed the course of his nation’s history. With extraordinary vision, courage and determination, he laid the foundations of modern Qatar, strengthened its institutions and gave it a voice and prestige far beyond its borders. The Qatar we know and admire today bears the unmistakable mark of his leadership. I wish to offer my deepest condolences, both personally and on behalf of the Italian Government, to His Highness the Emir Tamim, to his entire family and to the people of Qatar, to whom I send my thoughts and prayers at this time of profound grief.”