Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar

by Scott Mehl
© Unofficial Royalty 2014

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar; Credit – Wikipedia

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was the Emir of Qatar from 1995 until 2013. He was born on January 1, 1952, in Doha, Emirate of Qatar, the son of Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar from 1975 to 1995.

Following his initial education in Qatar, Hamad attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, graduating in 1971. Returning to Qatar, he took up several positions in Qatar’s military and government, being named Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense. He was named Crown Prince in 1977 and led Qatar’s Supreme Planning Council.

In 1992, Hamad’s father handed over much of the day-to-day responsibility to his son, while remaining Emir and Head of State. In June 1995, while Hamad’s father was out of the country, he staged a coup in June 1995, overthrowing his father and declaring himself the new Emir of Qatar. During Hamad’s reign, Qatar saw significant growth in natural gas production and more prominence on the world stage. He was a primary contributor to establishing the Al Jazeera news network and the Qatar Investment Authority. The QIA holds assets of over US$ 170 billion, with investments in several major corporations including Royal Dutch Shell, Volkswagen, and the Harrods Group, as well as real estate holdings around the world.

Sheikh Hamad on a state visit to the UK, 2010. photo: Zimbio

Sheikh Hamad on a state visit to the UK, 2010.  photo: Zimbio

Sheikh Hamad travelled extensively, promoting diplomatic ties with countries both within the region and elsewhere. He spent significant time in the United Kingdom, having several private properties there. Hamad was typically accompanied by his second wife Sheikha Mozah who has taken on a much more public role than his other wives who, in keeping with tradition, are seldom seen in public.

On June 25, 2013, after eighteen years as Emir, Sheikh Hamad publically announced his abdication in favor of his son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa. Read more about the abdication here.

Sheikh Hamad has three wives and a total of 24 children.

First Wife: Sheikha Mariam bint Muhammad Al Thani, his first cousin. They had eight children:

  • Sheikh Mishaal bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
  • Sheikh Sheikh Fahd bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
  • Sheikha Aisha bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
  • Sheikha Mashael bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
  • Sheikha Fatima bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
  • Sheikha Rawdah bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
  • Sheikha Hussah bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
  • Sheikha Sara bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani

Second Wife: Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned. They married in 1977, and had seven children:

Third Wife: Sheikha Noora bint Khalid Al-Thani, his first cousin. They had nine children:

Sheikh Hamad and Sheikha Mozah with The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, 2010. photo: Zimbio/Bauer Griffin

Sheikh Hamad and Sheikha Mozah with Queen Elizaneth II and The Duke of Edinburgh, 2010. photo: Zimbio/Bauer Griffin

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