Former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, passes away/ Rama: He was a statesman and historic leader

2026-07-12 13:02:00, Aktualitet CNA

Former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, passes away/ Rama: He

The former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has died at the age of 74.

Prime Minister Edi Rama has sent a message of condolence through social networks, emphasizing that Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was a statesman and historic leader.

Rama underlines that Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dedicated his life to the progress of Qatar and laid the foundations for one of the most extraordinary national transformations of our time.

“It was sad to learn of the passing of His Highness the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. A visionary statesman and a historic leader, he dedicated his life to the advancement of Qatar and laid the foundations for one of the most extraordinary national transformations of our time. Thanks to his vision and inspiration, carried forward by the brilliant leadership of his son and successor, Qatar has become a source of inspiration beyond its region: a nation capable of embracing great transformations, while maintaining an admirable pride in its identity, heritage and rich cultural character. Albania and Qatar share a bond of friendship, mutual respect and growing cooperation that we deeply value. We have always viewed Qatar’s transformation and its extraordinary commitment to culture, education, dialogue and heritage preservation with deep admiration. On behalf of the people of Albania and on my own behalf, I express "My deepest condolences to His Highness, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani; to the entire Al Thani family; to my dear friend and brother, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; and to the brotherly people of the State of Qatar. May the soul of His Highness, Father Amir, rest in eternal peace and may his vision and legacy continue to inspire Qatar and generations to come," Rama wrote on the X platform.

Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was one of the most influential figures in Qatar's modern history. He came to power in 1995 and remained emir until 2013, when he voluntarily transferred power to his son, the current emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in a rare move in the region.

During his 18-year reign, Qatar became one of the world's most powerful economies by exploiting its vast natural gas reserves, significantly increasing its international influence in diplomacy, investment and media. At the same time, the foundations of the Qatar National Vision 2030 development plan were laid, which aimed to diversify the economy and achieve sustainable development for the country./ CNA