View source for Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

{{Short description|Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Distinguish|Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani}}
{{Family name hatnote|lang=Arabic|[[Al Thani]]}}
{{Infobox royalty
| image        = 5th Global Forum Vienna 2013 (8512954534) (cropped).jpg
| caption      = Hamad in 2013
| succession   = [[Emir of Qatar]]
| reign        = 27 June 1995 – 25 June 2013
| successor    = [[Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani]]
| predecessor  = [[Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani]]
| reg-type     = [[List of Prime Ministers of Qatar|Prime Minister]]
| regent       = {{Unbulleted_list|''Himself''|[[Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani|Abdullah bin Khalifa]]|[[Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani|Hamad bin Jassim]]}}
| reg-type1    = Heir Apparent
| regent1      = {{Unbulleted_list|[[Mishaal bin Hamad Al Thani]]|[[Jassim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani|Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani]]|[[Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani]]}}
| regent2      = [[Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani]]
| reg-type2    = Monarch
| succession2  = Father [[Emir of Qatar]]
| reign2       = 25 June 2013 – present
| reg-type3    = [[List of Prime Ministers of Qatar|Prime Minister]]
| regent3      = {{Unbulleted_list|[[Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani (prime minister)|Abdullah bin Nasser]]|[[Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz Al Thani|Khalid bin Khalifa]]|[[Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani|Mohammed bin Abdulrahman]]}}
| spouse       = {{Unbulleted_list|Mariam bint Muhammad Al Thani|[[Moza bint Nasser|Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned]]|Noora bint Khalid Al Thani}}
| issue        = ''[[#Marriages and children|See link]]''
| house        = [[House of Thani|Thani]]
| father       = [[Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani]]
| mother       = Aisha bint Hamad Al Attiyah
| birth_name   = Hamad bin Khalifa bin Hamad bin Abdullah bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1952|01|01|df=y}}
| birth_place  = [[Doha]], Qatar
| death_date   = 
| death_place  = 
| module       = {{infobox military person|embed = yes
| allegiance    = {{flag|Qatar}}
| branch        = [[Qatar Armed Forces]]
| service_years = 1995–2013
}}
}}

'''Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani''' ({{langx|ar|حمد بن خليفة آل ثاني}}; born 1 January 1952) is a member of Qatar's royal family, the [[House of Thani]]. He was the ruling [[Emir]] of [[Qatar]] from 1995 until 2013 when he abdicated the throne, handing power to his fourth son [[Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani]] who was born to his second spouse, [[Moza bint Nasser|Moza bint Nassir]].<ref name=":0">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_ZuXbOtBbo "Qatar: A tiny country asserts powerful influence"], [[CBS]] ''60 Minutes'' via ''youtube.com'', 15 January 2012.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Qatar: Freedom in the World 2020 Country Report|url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/qatar/freedom-world/2020|access-date=2021-07-11|website=Freedom House|language=en}}</ref> The Qatari government refers to him as the Father Emir.<ref>{{cite journal |date= 29 December 2015 |title= Qatar's Father Emir flown to Switzerland to treat broken leg |url= http://dohanews.co/qatars-father-emir-airlifted-switzerland-treat-broken-leg/ |journal=[[Doha News]] |access-date=6 April 2016}}</ref>

Hamad seized power from his father, [[Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani]], in a bloodless palace [[1995 Qatari coup d'état|''coup d'état'' in 1995]]. During his 18-year rule, Qatar's natural gas production reached 77 million tonnes, making Qatar the [[List of countries by GDP (PPP) per capita|richest country in the world per capita]] with the average income in the country US$86,440 a year per person.<ref name="indy13">{{cite news|date=2013-06-25|title=Emir of Qatar profile: Who is Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, how did he turn Qatar into the world's richest nation and why has he decided to abdicate?|work=[[The Independent]]|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/emir-qatar-profile-who-sheikh-hamad-bin-khalifa-al-thani-how-did-he-turn-qatar-world-s-richest-nation-and-why-has-he-decided-abdicate-8672997.html|access-date=2021-03-06}}</ref> During his reign, several sports and diplomatic events took place in Qatar, including the [[2006 Asian Games]], [[2012 United Nations Climate Change Conference|2012 UN Climate Change Conference]], [[Doha Agreement (2008)|Doha Agreement]], [[Fatah–Hamas Doha Agreement]], and it was decided that the [[2022 FIFA World Cup]] would be held in the country. He established the [[Qatar Investment Authority]]. By 2013, it had invested over $100 billion around the world, including [[The Shard]], [[Barclays Bank]], [[Heathrow Airport]], [[Harrods]], [[Paris Saint-Germain F.C.]], [[Volkswagen]], [[Siemens]], and [[Royal Dutch Shell]].<ref name=mem>{{cite web|url=http://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/europe/8233-qatar-investments-in-europe-reach-65-billion-usd|title=Middle East Monitor|access-date=12 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306140241/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/europe/8233-qatar-investments-in-europe-reach-65-billion-usd|archive-date=6 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Hamad ruled a sovereign regime in Qatar without any support from opposition political parties.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|last=Kamrava|first=Mehran|date=2009|title=Royal Factionalism and Political Liberalization in Qatar|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/20622928|journal=Middle East Journal|volume=63|issue=3|pages=401–420|doi=10.3751/63.3.13|jstor=20622928|s2cid=154521643|issn=0026-3141|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news|date=2012-10-30|title=Qatari draft media law criticized by rights group|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-media-qatar-idUSBRE89T17620121030|access-date=2021-07-11}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite book|last=Freedman|first=Rosa|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pNU-DgAAQBAJ|title=Failing to Protect: The UN and the Politicization of Human Rights|date=2015|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-061300-6|pages=109|language=en}}</ref> During Hamad's rule, Qatar hosted two U.S. military bases. It also maintained relations with [[Iran]]. The Sheikh founded news media group [[Al Jazeera Arabic|Al Jazeera]]. He also played a part in negotiations between the U.S. and the [[Taliban]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,616130,00.html|date=29 March 2009|access-date=2 March 2012|title=SPIEGEL Interview with the Emir of Qatar – 'We Are Coming to Invest'|first1=Volkhard |last1=Windfuhr |first2=Bernhard |last2=Zand|work=[[Der Spiegel]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/11/technology/11iht-jazeera.4.19256575.html|access-date=2 March 2012|title=Al Jazeera provides an inside look at Gaza conflict|first=Noam|last=Cohen|date=1 January 2009|work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> In June 2013, Hamad, in a brief televised address, announced that he would hand power to his fourth son, [[Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-23026870| title=Qatari emir Sheikh Hamad hands power to son Tamim|date=2013-06-25|work=[[BBC News]] |access-date=2021-03-06}}</ref>

==Early years and education==
Hamad was born in 1952. His mother died soon after his birth and he was raised by his uncle.<ref name=dic25jun>{{cite news|last=Dickey|first=Christopher|title=Qatar's Succession Drama|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/06/25/qatar-s-game-of-thrones.html|access-date=28 June 2013|work=[[The Daily Beast]]|date=25 June 2013}}</ref>

He graduated from the British [[Royal Military Academy Sandhurst|Royal Military Academy]] at [[Sandhurst, Berkshire|Sandhurst]] in 1971, and was then commissioned as a [[lieutenant colonel]] in Qatar's armed forces.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.international.ucla.edu/cnes/article/36742 | title=Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani }}</ref><ref name=aps17sep>{{cite news|title=Qatar's Decision Makers – Hamad Background|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/QATAR+-+Qatar's+Decision+Makers+-+Hamad+Background.-a0168747704|access-date=26 June 2013|newspaper=APS Review|date=17 September 2007}}</ref> A few months later he returned to Qatar and was made commander of a mobile brigade, which later became a force called "Hamad Brigade".<ref name=aps17sep/> In 1972, Hamad had the rank of general, and became army chief of staff.<ref name=aps17sep/> Next he was appointed commander-in-chief of Qatar's armed forces with the rank of major general.<ref name=indy13/><ref name=aps17sep/> In 1977 he was named minister of defense.<ref name=aps17sep/>

Hamad was appointed Heir Apparent of Qatar in 1977 and held the post until 1995.<ref name="b">{{cite web|url=https://www.diwan.gov.qa/about-qatar/qatars-rulers/father?sc_lang=en|title=HH The Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani - The Amiri Diwan|publisher=[[Amiri Diwan|Amiri Diwan of the State of Qatar]]|access-date=7 March 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In the early 1980s, he led the Supreme Planning Council, which sets Qatar's basic economic and social policies. Starting in 1992, Hamad's father began gradually handing over responsibility for the day-to-day running of the country,<ref name="CSM1">{{cite journal
|last=Harman|first=Danna|title=Backstory: The royal couple that put Qatar on the map |journal=[[Christian Science Monitor]]|date=5 March 2007 |quote=He was of a new generation, open to the sorts of social, technological, economic, and political ideas from outside that his elders had never known. And, surrounding himself with young, Western-educated advisers, the new emir got right down to the business of remaking the national agenda of this traditional [[Wahhabi]] land. |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0305/p20s01-wome.html/%28page%29/2|access-date=10 November 2010}}</ref> including the development of Qatar's oil and natural gas resources, rendering him the effective ruler of the country.<ref name="voa">{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/smooth-qatar-handover-rooted-in-turbulent-past-of-father-emir/1694301.html|title=Smooth Qatar Handover Rooted in Turbulent Past of 'Father Emir'|date=3 July 2013 |publisher=Voice of America|access-date=27 June 2015}}</ref> However, his father ultimately retained control over state finances.<ref name="voa"/> On 27 June 1995, he won the throne from his father in [[1995 Qatari coup d'état|a palace coup]], Hamad became Emir of Qatar and was crowned on 20 June 2000.<ref name="CSM1" />

== Reign (1995–2013) ==
With the support of his family, Hamad staged [[1995 Qatari coup d'état|a bloodless coup d'état]] in 1995 when his father [[Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani]] was on vacation in [[Geneva]], Switzerland, at which point he officially became the Emir of Qatar.<ref name="CSM1" /><ref name=Current_Leaders>{{cite book|chapter=Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir|title=Current Leaders of Nations|publisher=[[Gale (publisher)|Gale]]|year=1998|access-date=2 March 2012|url=http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/bic1/ReferenceDetailsPage/ReferenceDetailsWindow?displayGroupName=Reference&disableHighlighting=false&prodId=BIC1&action=e&windowstate=normal&catId=&documentId=GALE%7CK1610000166&mode=view&userGroupName=fairfax_main&jsid=f37eaa4c06172a6eac8bf7d9deb7f23b|id=GALE-K1610000166|format=fee, via [[Gale (publisher)|Fairfax County Public Library]]}} Gale Biography in Context. {{subscription required}}</ref> The deposition came after a falling out between Hamad and his father, who had tried regaining some of the authority that he gave to Hamad in early 1995.<ref name="voa"/> Thereafter, his father lived in exile in France and [[Abu Dhabi]]<ref name=Current_Leaders/> until he returned to Qatar in 2001.

Hamad then engaged an American law firm to freeze his father's bank accounts abroad in order to deter a possible countercoup.<ref name=CSM1/> However, a [[1996 Qatari coup attempt|counter-coup was attempted]] against Hamad in February 1996 under the leadership of former Economy Minister [[Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani]]. The coup failed, and several of Qatar's traditional Arab allies were implicated in the plot, namely Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/03/al-jazeera-reveals-details-1996-coup-attempt-qatar-180304200532130.html|title=New details revealed on 1996 coup attempt against Qatar|publisher=[[Al Jazeera Arabic|Al Jazeera]]|date=4 March 2018|access-date=1 June 2018}}</ref>

In a break with the traditional role, his second wife Sheikha [[Moza bint Nasser|Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned]] has been a visible advocate for education and children's causes.<ref name="CSM1"/> In 1995, Sheikh Hamad and his wife Sheikha Moza bint Nasser founded the [[Qatar Foundation]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.qf.org.qa/about|title=About Qatar Foundation |date=|work=[[Qatar Foundation]] |access-date=2021-03-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/grade-point/wp/2015/12/06/sheikha-moza-the-woman-behind-dohas-education-city/| title=Sheikha Moza: The woman behind Doha's Education City|date=2015-12-07|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=2021-03-06}}</ref>

A sportsman<ref>**{{cite book | year = 2007  | title = Diplomacy Volume 33 | publisher = Diplomacy Company | page = 19 }}</ref> and an accomplished diver, Hamad has played an active role in promoting and developing athletics in [[Qatar]].<ref name=indy13/> His activism has enhanced the country's involvement and performance in a number of international competitions, including: winning an [[Olympic medal]] in track and field; hosting a wide variety of international sporting events such as the [[2006 Asian Games|15th Asian Games]], [[AGCFF Gulf Club Champions League|GCC]], Asian and World Youth soccer championships; and initiating the [[ATP Qatar Open|Qatar Open Tennis Championship]] which has grown to become one of two premier tennis competitions in the Middle East.
[[File:Vladimir Putin 25 December 2001-1.jpg|thumb|Hamad bin Khalifa in the [[Kremlin]] with Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]], December 2001]]
Under his rule the Qatari government helped to fund the [[Al Jazeera Arabic|Al Jazeera]] news network by an [[decree|emiri decree]].<ref>{{cite book |first=Naomi |last=Sakr |author-link=Naomi Sakr |title=Satellite Realms: Transnational Television, Globalization & the Middle East |location=London |publisher=[[I.B. Tauris]] |year=2001 |page=[https://archive.org/details/satelliterealmst0000sakr/page/57 57]|url=https://archive.org/details/satelliterealmst0000sakr|url-access=registration |access-date=6 March 2013}}</ref> In an analysis of Al Jazeera, [[Hugh Miles (journalist)|Hugh Miles]] said that diplomats from other countries know that the Emir was the real power behind Al Jazeera but he also quotes a network spokesman denying 'countless times' this accusation, adding that many independent news sources also have subsidies from their respective governments without this implying editorial dabbling and explaining that trying to coerce the kind of journalists Al Jazeera has would be like trying to 'herd cats'.<ref name="books.google.com">{{cite book|author-link=Hugh Miles (journalist) |first=Hugh |last=Miles|year=2005|title=Al-Jazeera: The Inside Story of the Arab News Channel that is Challenging the West|location=New York|publisher=[[Grove Press]]|page=[https://archive.org/details/aljazeerainsides00mile/page/346 346]|url=https://archive.org/details/aljazeerainsides00mile|url-access=registration |access-date=6 March 2013}}</ref> Sheik Hamad is a distant cousin of the network chairman, [[Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani]], who was previously Minister of Information in the Emir Al Thani government. Following the initial US$137 million grant from Emir Al Thani, Al Jazeera had aimed to become self-sufficient through advertising by 2001, but when this failed to occur, the Emir agreed to several consecutive loans<ref name="books.google.com"/> on a year-by-year basis (US$30 million in 2004,<ref>{{cite news |date=6 May 2004 |archive-date=27 April 2006 |access-date=2 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060427171936/http://www.washtimes.com/commentary/20040506-085117-7996r.htm |url=http://www.washtimes.com/commentary/20040506-085117-7996r.htm |title=Tutwiler's mission impossible |author-link=Arnaud de Borchgrave |first=Arnaud |last=de Borchgrave|newspaper=[[Washington Times]]}}</ref> according to [[Arnaud de Borchgrave]]). At a 3 October 2001 press conference, [[Colin Powell]] tried to persuade Sheik Hamad to shut down Al Jazeera while the New York-based organization [[Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting]] commented that in those efforts, "Powell and other U.S. officials were reportedly upset by the channel re-airing old interviews with bin Laden and the inclusion of guests that are too critical of the United States on its programs."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://cpj.org/reports/2001/10/aljazeera-oct01/|title=Between Two Worlds|date=|work=[[Committee to Protect Journalists]]|access-date=2021-05-28|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://fair.org/extra-online-articles/patriotism-amp-censorship-journalism|date=December 2001|author=Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting|author-link=Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting|title=Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> ''[[The Washington Post]]'' reported in 2005 that Sheik Hamad was under pressure to privatize the network.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A49759-2005Jan30.html|title=Qatar Advances Plans To Privatize Al-Jazeera|date=31 January 2005|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] | first=Shankar | last=Vedantam | access-date=23 April 2010
|author-link=Shankar Vedantam}}</ref>

In 2010, [[Qatar]] was awarded the right to host the [[2022 FIFA World Cup]]. The country would become the first in the [[Middle East]] to host the event, beating out Australia, Japan, South Korea and the US.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jackson |first=Jamie |date=2010-12-02 |title=Qatar wins 2022 World Cup bid |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/dec/02/qatar-win-2022-world-cup-bid |access-date=2023-11-06 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

=== Autocracy ===
Hamad ruled an autocratic regime in Qatar.<ref name=":2" /> There was no organized political opposition in Qatar.<ref name=":3" /> National news outlets exercised self-censorship.<ref name=":3" />

=== Oil and gas wealth ===
[[File:Hamad ibn khalifa n bush.jpg|left|thumb|US President [[George W. Bush]] and Hamad bin Khalifa in the [[Oval Office]], 2003]]
Hamad was able to focus on turning [[Qatar]] from a small desert backwater into a major world power by continuing to exploit the country's vast oil fields and discovering and tapping the world's third largest gas reserves.<ref name="lem">[http://www.lemonde.fr/proche-orient/article/2009/02/21/la-france-accorde-une-exoneration-d-impots-aux-avoirs-du-qatar_1158582_3218.html lemonde.fr: "La France accorde une exonération d'impôts aux avoirs du Qatar"], 21 Feb 2009</ref> By 2010 [[liquefied natural gas]] production had reached 77 million tons, making Qatar the richest country in the world. With fewer than two million inhabitants, the average income in the country shot to $86,440 per year per person. Qatar expert [[Olivier Da Lage]] said: "When he came to power in 1995, Sheikh Hamad had a goal to place Qatar on the world map by exploiting the gas resources which his father did not develop for fear it would change the emirate's society. Eighteen years on, he has finished the job – Qatar has acquired the financial clout to command respect from neighboring countries and Western governments alike".<ref name="indy13" />[[File:Vladimir Putin in Qatar 12 February 2007-1.jpg|thumb|right|Sheikh Hamad with [[Vladimir Putin]] in 2007]]In 2005, under the direction of Hamad and Sheikh [[Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani]], the [[Qatar Investment Authority]] was established, a sovereign wealth fund to manage the country's oil and natural gas surpluses.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Qatar Investment Authority - about us|url=https://www.qia.qa/About/AboutUs.aspx|access-date=2021-05-28|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513125404/https://www.qia.qa/About/AboutUs.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Qatar Investment Authority and its [[subsidiaries]] have acquired many businesses abroad, including London's iconic department store [[Harrods]] from entrepreneur [[Mohamed Al-Fayed]],<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-harrods-idUSTRE6470V520100508 "Qatar investor buys UK department store Harrods"], [[Reuters]], 8 May 2010.</ref> Paris-based department store [[Printemps]],<ref>[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324050304578410763931853602 "Qatari Investors to Buy Printemps"], ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'', 8 April 2013.</ref> French [[football club]] [[Paris Saint-Germain F.C.]],<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/25/world/europe/25iht-letter25.html "Qatari Hopes for Paris Saint-Germain Meet Reality"], [[The New York Times]], 24 May 2013.</ref> a former 10% stake in [[Porsche]],<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-qatar-porsche-volkswagen-idUSBRE95G08E20130617 "Qatar sells back 10 percent Porsche stake to founding families"], [[Reuters]], 17 June 2013.</ref> a 75% stake in [[film studio]] [[Miramax Films]] which they acquired from [[Disney]],<ref>[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ron-tutor-sells-his-miramax-414171 "Ron Tutor Sells His Miramax Stake"], ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', 21 January 2013.</ref> a 2% stake in [[media conglomerate]] and [[Universal Music Group]] [[parent company]] [[Vivendi]],<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-21/vivendi-says-shareholder-qatar-holding-raised-its-stake-to-2-.html "Vivendi Says Shareholder Qatar Holding Raised its Stake to 2%"], ''[[Bloomberg News Bloomberg]]'', 21 March 2012.</ref> a US$100 million investment in Chernin Group – whose founder [[Peter Chernin]] was COO of [[News Corp (2013–present)|News Corp]] and President of [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]],<ref>[https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-xpm-2012-nov-08-la-et-ct-chernin-investment-qatar-holdings-20121108-story.html "Chernin Group receives $100-million investment from Qatar Holding"], [[LA Times]], 8 November 2012.</ref> a 1% stake in [[luxury goods]] manufacturer [[Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy]],<ref>[http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/03/16/qatar-holdings-buys-lvmh-stake "Slice of LVMH"], ''[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue]]'', 16 March 2012.</ref> a 6% stake in [[Credit Suisse]],<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-14/credit-suisse-places-sf6-billion-in-tier-1-buffer-capital-notes.html "Credit Suisse Raises $6.2 Billion From Qatar Holding, Olayan"], [[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]], 14 February 2011.</ref> a 12.6% stake in [[Barclays]]<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-barclays-idUSBRE91408O20130205 "Barclays ducks Qatar questions, takes $1.6 billion mis-selling hit"], [[Reuters]], 5 February 2013.</ref> and several other major companies. They also backed [[Glencore]]'s $31 billion takeover bid for [[Xstrata]].<ref>[https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2012/11/15/qatar-holding-supports-glencore-xstrata-deal/ "Qatar Wealth Fund Backs Glencore's Bid for Xstrata"], [[The New York Times]], 15 November 2012.</ref>  Qatar is the largest property owner in London with their holdings including the United Kingdom's tallest building [[The Shard]], the [[London Olympic Village]] and the [[InterContinental London Park Lane]] hotel.<ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/sheikh-hamad-bin-jassim-bin-jaber-althani-meet-the-man-who-bought-london-8669134.html "Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabber Al Thani: Meet the man who bought London"], ''[[The Independent]]'', 21 June 2013.</ref> They also own several hotels in [[Cannes]] including the [[Hotel Majestic (Cannes)|Majestic Hotel]], [[Grand Hyatt Cannes Hôtel Martinez]] and the [[Carlton Hotel, Cannes]].<ref>[http://www.pie-mag.com/articles/2360/cannes-carlton-hotel-sold-to-qatar-investor-for-euro-450m/ "Cannes Carlton hotel sold to Qatar investor for €450m"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525051640/http://www.pie-mag.com/articles/2360/cannes-carlton-hotel-sold-to-qatar-investor-for-euro-450m|date=25 May 2013}}, ''Pie Mag'', 15 December 2011.</ref> QIA was considered to have one of the leading bids in the sales of both [[Anschutz Entertainment Group]]<ref>[http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/aeg_shoots_for_stars_with_up_to_lN4j5RKTq7mu7X8S2vRqPM "AEG shoots for stars with up to $10B sale"], [[New York Post]], 13 November 2012.</ref> and [[Hulu]].<ref>[http://www.arabianbusiness.com/qatar-among-bidders-for-us-online-tv-firm-504486.html "Qatar among bidders for US online TV firm"], ''[[Arabian Business]]'', 9 June 2013.</ref> As of May 2013, it was reported the Investment Authority was in talks to purchase [[Neiman Marcus]] and [[Bergdorf Goodman]].<ref>[http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/neiman_plays_qatar_Sh8F0MnsFr9LmwdXylsupM "Qatar Investment Authority in talks to buy Neiman Marcus"], [[New York Post]], 31 May 2013.</ref>[[File:Secretary Clinton Holds a Bilateral With Qatari Emir Hamad al Thani (5013253061).jpg|thumb|Hamad with US Secretary of State [[Hillary Clinton]], September 2010|left]]

Media sources claimed that Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani made a bid for [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] on 11 February 2011. Qatari Holdings offered [[Great Britain Pound|£]]1.65 billion to [[Malcolm Glazer]], the American owner of the club.<ref>{{cite web|author=ESPNsoccernet staff|date=11 February 2011|title=Qataris close to buying United – report|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/878771/qataris-close-to-buying-manchester-united-in-L1.6bn-deal---report?cc=5901|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110214135416/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/878771/qataris-close-to-buying-manchester-united-in-L1.6bn-deal---report?cc=5901|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 February 2011|access-date=2 March 2012|work=SoccerNet|publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> This follows a series of endeavors by the Emir and other Qataris into the global football community, following Qatar's successful bid for the [[2022 World Cup]], and the Qatar Foundation's recent £125m shirt deal with [[FC Barcelona]]. In mid-June 2011, rumours resurfaced that [[Qatar Holdings|Qatari Holdings]] were preparing a £2 Billion takeover bid and that the funding, that the club had been using for transfers since the start of June, was actually supplied by the Qataris and not the [[Glazer family ownership of Manchester United|Glazer Family]].<ref>{{cite news|date=10 December 2010|title=Barcelona agree record shirt deal|work=[[BBC News]]|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/9276343.stm}}</ref> In 2012 it was rumoured that Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was in bid for [[Rangers F.C.]]<ref>{{cite news|date=19 March 2012|title=Ex-Dundee director Di Stefano tells Qatar ruler buying Rangers would be 'best deal in football'|work=[[STV News]]|url=http://news.stv.tv/scotland/west-central/301043-ex-dundee-director-di-stefano-tells-qatar-ruler-buying-rangers-is-best-deal-in-football/|access-date=20 March 2012|archive-date=21 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321210832/http://news.stv.tv/scotland/west-central/301043-ex-dundee-director-di-stefano-tells-qatar-ruler-buying-rangers-is-best-deal-in-football/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 30 March 2012 Sheik Al Thani offered to buy [[KF Tirana]], although the details have yet to be published.<ref>{{cite news|date=22 March 2012|title=Familja e emirit të Katarit interesohet të blejë aksionet e Tiranës së futbollit|work=[[Panorama Sport]]|url=http://www.panorama-sport.com/ballina/familja-e-emirit-te-katarit-interesohen-te-blejne-aksione-te-tirana-e-futbollit/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331213129/http://www.panorama-sport.com/ballina/familja-e-emirit-te-katarit-interesohen-te-blejne-aksione-te-tirana-e-futbollit/|archive-date=31 March 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

=== Culture and education ===
In the arts, Hamad established the [[Qatar Museums Authority]] in 2005 which built the [[I. M. Pei]] designed [[Museum of Islamic Art, Doha|Museum of Islamic Art Doha]]. Since its opening, [[Qatar]] has become the world's biggest contemporary art buyer,<ref name=":1">[https://www.forbes.com/sites/abigailesman/2011/07/07/qatar-revealed-as-the-worlds-biggest-contemporary-art-buyer-the-art-newspaper/ "Qatar revealed as the world's biggest contemporary art buyer"], ''[[Forbes]]'', 7 July 2011.</ref> famously purchasing [[Cézanne]]'s ''[[The Card Players]] ''in 2012 for over US$250 million.<ref>[https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2012/02/qatar-buys-cezanne-card-players-201202 "Qatar Purchases Cézanne's The Card Players for More Than $250 Million, Highest Price Ever for a Work of Art"], ''[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]'', February 2012</ref> The art acquisition efforts were often represented by Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed Al Thani, president of Qatar's National Council for Culture, Arts and the Heritage.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2004-05-11|title=The World's Biggest Art Collector|language=en|work=[[Forbes]]|url=https://www.forbes.com/2004/05/11/cx_0511conn.html?sh=de5462420a2a|access-date=2021-05-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2014-11-17|title=Saud bin Mohammed Al Thani, Big-Spending Art Collector, Is Dead|language=en|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/17/arts/design/saud-bin-mohammed-al-thani-art-collector-for-qatar-is-dead.html|access-date=2021-05-28}}</ref>
[[File:Ilham Aliyev met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, 2012 02.jpg|thumb|Sheikh Hamad with President of Azerbaijan [[Ilham Aliyev]] in 2012]]
The Museum Authority sponsored [[Takashi Murakami]]'s [[Murakami-Ego|EGO]] exhibit in Doha which ran from 9 February to 24 June 2012,<ref>[https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/08/takashi-murakamis-ego_n_1263888.html "Takashi Murakami's "Ego" Exhibition at Al Riwaq Exhibition Hall in Doha, Qatar"], ''[[Huffington Post]]'', 9 February 2012.</ref> [[Damien Hirst]]'s [[retrospective]] at [[Tate Modern]] in Spring and Summer 2012<ref>[http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/art/qatari-royal-family-sponsors-damien-hirst-retrospective-at-tate-modern "Qatari royal family sponsors Damien Hirst retrospective at Tate Modern"], ''[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]]'', 5 April 2012.</ref> and Hirst's exhibition Relics, from October 2013 to January 2014.<ref>{{Cite news|date=|title=Damien Hirst - Relics|language=en|work=Qatar Museums|url=https://www.qm.org.qa/en/damien-hirst-relics|access-date=2021-05-28|archive-date=30 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630164514/https://www.qm.org.qa/en/damien-hirst-relics|url-status=dead}}</ref> In July 2013, in conjunction with [[Miuccia Prada]] and the [[Prada]] Foundation, QMA launched CURATE, a global search for curatorial talent.<ref>[http://galleristny.com/2013/07/qatar-and-prada-announce-curate-prize/ "Qatar and Prada Announce 'Curate' Prize"], ''Gallerist NY'', 12 July 2013.</ref> Additionally, the [[Doha Film Institute]] was established in 2009 which in partnership with the [[Tribeca Film Festival]] (founded by [[Robert De Niro]]), created the [[Doha Tribeca Film Festival]] that ran from 2009 – 2012.<ref>[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/tribeca-enterprises-qatars-doha-film-448915 "Tribeca Enterprises, Qatar's Doha Film Institute End Cultural, Festival Partnership"], ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', 30 April 2013.</ref> The Doha Film Institute is producing [[Salma Hayek]]'s upcoming animated adaptation of [[Khalil Gibran]]'s classic novel ''[[The Prophet (book)|The Prophet]]'', with ''[[Lion King]]'' director [[Roger Allers]] coordinating the process.<ref>[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/salma-hayek-doha-film-institute-Khalil-Gibran-prophet-294555 "Salma Hayek and Doha Film Institute to Adapt Khalil Gibran's 'The Prophet' into Animated Movie"], ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', 23 February 2012.</ref> DFI is also credited as a production company on several other films, including ''[[Just like a Woman (2012 film)|Just Like a Woman]]'' starring [[Sienna Miller]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pond|first=Steve|date=2011-08-12|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUS337528928620110812|title=Rachid Bouchareb Kicks Off Arab-American Trilogy With Sienna Miller Road Movie|work=reuters.com|publisher=[[Reuters]]|accessdate=2022-02-23}}</ref> ''[[The Reluctant Fundamentalist (film)|The Reluctant Fundamentalist]]'', directed by [[Mira Nair]], which opened the [[69th Venice International Film Festival]],<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-19421160 "The Reluctant Fundamentalist"], [[BBC News]], 30 August 2013.</ref> and [[Kanye West]]'s ''[[Cruel Summer (2012 film)|Cruel Summer]]'' – a short film which was shot in Doha and premiered during the [[2012 Cannes Film Festival]].<ref>[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kanye-west-kim-kardashian-cannes-jay-z-premiere-328795 "Cannes 2012: Kanye West Debuts Groundbreaking Film With Kim Kardashian, Jay-Z in Attendance"], ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', 23 May 2012.</ref> In February 2013, they announced a $100 million feature film fund with [[Participant Media]], a production company founded by billionaire [[Jeffrey Skoll]], who was the first employee and also first president of internet auction firm [[eBay]].<ref>[https://deadline.com/2013/02/participant-media-doha-film-institute-launch-five-year-100m-feature-film-fund-429298/ "Berlin: Participant Media, Doha Film Institute Launch Five-Year $100M Feature Film Fund"], ''[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]'', 13 February 2013.</ref>

Under the patronage of Hamad and his wife [[Moza bint Nasser|Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser Al-Missned]], various academic institutions have opened campuses in Doha, including [[Carnegie Mellon University]], [[Georgetown University]], [[Northwestern University]], [[Texas A&M University]] and [[Weill Cornell Medical College]].<ref name=":0" />

==Retirement and later life==
[[File:Secretary Kerry Meets With Amir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.jpg|thumb|[[John Kerry]] meets with the former Emir in 2014]]
On 25 June 2013, Hamad handed over power to his son [[Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani]] in a televised speech.<ref name="New Emir BBC">{{cite news|title=Qatari emir Hamad hands power to son Tamim|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23026870|access-date=25 June 2013|newspaper=[[BBC News]]|date=25 June 2013}}</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/25/world/middleeast/qatar-transfer-of-power.html "In Surprise, Emir of Qatar Plans to Abdicate, Handing Power to Son"], [[The New York Times]], 25 June 2013.</ref> In regards to the shift in power, Hamad said: "The time has come to open a new page in the journey of our nation that would have a new generation carry the responsibilities".<ref name="investvine">{{cite web|url=http://investvine.com/qatar-emir-resigns-hands-over-power-to-son/|title=Qatar emir resigns, hands over power to son|first=Arno|last=Maierbrugger|work=Inside Investor|date=25 June 2013|access-date=25 June 2013|archive-date=10 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110152402/http://investvine.com/qatar-emir-resigns-hands-over-power-to-son/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Since his retirement, he is now popularly referred to as the Father Emir. His fourth son [[Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani]], from his second wife, [[Moza bint Nasser]], is now the eighth and current [[Emir of Qatar]].

Hamad is believed to have suffered from poor health for several years. In December 2015, he was flown to [[Zurich]], [[Switzerland]], for treatment after breaking his leg while on holiday in Morocco's [[Atlas Mountains]].<ref name=GuardDec15>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/29/mystery-of-emergency-landings-of-qatari-royal-planes-in-switzerland|title=Qatari royals rush to Switzerland in nine planes after emir breaks leg|date=29 December 2015|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=29 December 2015}}</ref>

Hamad underwent his first kidney transplant in 1997 <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.deseret.com/1997/8/7/19354585/emir-of-qatar-receives-a-healthy-new-kidney/ | title=Emir of Qatar receives a healthy new kidney | date=21 January 2024 }}</ref> and at least one more at a later date.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/25/world/middleeast/qatar-transfer-of-power.html | title=In Surprise, Emir of Qatar Plans to Abdicate, Handing Power to Son | work=The New York Times | date=24 June 2013 | last1=Nordland | first1=Rod }}</ref> The former emir is currently on dialysis.

==Foreign relations==
[[File:PrincipesaMostenitoareSiPrincipeleRaduSiEmirAQatar.jpg|thumb|Sheikh Hamad with [[Princess Margareta of Romania|Crown Princess Margareta of Romania]] and her husband [[Prince Radu of Romania|Prince Radu]], 2010|left]]

The Emir made a $100 million donation for the relief of [[New Orleans]] following [[Hurricane Katrina]] in 2005.<ref>{{cite news|journal=[[The New York Times]]|title=Emir of Qatar Tours New Orleans to See Fruit of His $100 Million Donation|first=Adam |last=Nossiter|date=30 April 2008|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/30/us/nationalspecial/30emir.html|access-date=1 March 2012}}</ref> He was a key person in the cease fire during the [[2006 Lebanon War]] and contributed significantly in the relief of damaged areas.

In 2012, the Emir proposed deploying Arab troops to reduce killings in the [[Syrian civil war]].<ref>{{cite news|work=[[CBS News]]|date=13 January 2012|title=Emir of Qatar favors Arab troops in Syria|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/emir-of-qatar-favors-arab-troops-in-syria/|access-date=1 March 2012}}</ref> He provided two military bases for foreign troops, [[Al Udeid Air Base]] and [[Camp As Sayliyah]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Al Udeid Air Force Base in Doha, Qatar |url=https://militarybases.com/overseas/qatar/al-udeid/ |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=Military Bases |language=en-US}}</ref>

Despite the prevalence of [[Arab–Israeli conflict|anti-Israel sentiment within the Arab world]], he had previously maintained friendly relations with Israel.<ref name="Current_Leaders" /> He met [[Foreign Minister of Israel]] [[Tzipi Livni]] (25 September 2007) in New York City. This marked the first real attempt by any leader in the [[Persian Gulf]] to pursue dialogue with Israel.<ref>
{{cite video|title=Israel Foreign Minister and the Emir of Qatar (ENGLISH)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAabrqG8UPg| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/QAabrqG8UPg| archive-date=2021-11-17 | url-status=live|access-date=2 March 2012|date=26 September 2007|publisher=[[Israeli Consulate|IsraelConsulate]]|quote=Israel Foreign Minister meets with the emir of Qatar in New York City. The interview is translated to English.}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=[[Ynetnews]]|title=Livni has surprise meeting with Qatari emir: Unscheduled meeting takes place between Israeli FM Tzipi Livni and Emir of Qatar Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in New York where the two are attending UN General Assembly summit|quote=Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni met with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Tuesday, in the highest-ranking meeting between Qatari and Israeli officials. The two met during a United Nations General Assembly summit in New York after the emir invited Livni and the Israeli delegation to join him in an unscheduled meeting outside of the UN headquarters. Officials said the meeting was "extremely positive." Livni discussed with the emir the importance of moderate Islamic nations – like Qatar – supporting the Palestinians in advancing the diplomatic process.|first=Yitzhak|last=Benhorin|date=25 September 2007|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3453593,00.html|access-date=1 March 2012}}</ref> However, Qatar severed diplomatic ties with Israel in 2009 in response to Israel's actions during the [[Gaza War (2008–09)|Gaza War]].<ref>[http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2009/01/2009116151135307776.html Qatar, Mauritania cut Israel ties] [[Al Jazeera Arabic|Al Jazeera]]. Date: Friday, 16 January 2009</ref> The emir has also expressed his objection to [[Israeli settlement]] policy, especially the [[Judaization of Jerusalem]].<ref>{{cite news|work=[[CBS News]]|date=26 February 2012|title=Qatar emir: Arab identity in Jerusalem at risk|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501713_162-57385307/qatar-emir-arab-identity-in-jerusalem-at-risk/?tag=mncol;lst;9|access-date=1 March 2012}}{{dead link|date=August 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-01-14 |title=Send Arab troops to Syria, Emir of Qatar says |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20120114-arab-league-halt-syria-bloodshed-says-qatatri-emir |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=France 24 |language=en}}</ref>

===Palestine and Syria===
In October 2012, the Emir made a landmark visit to Gaza by being the first head of state to go there since the [[2006 Palestinian legislative election|2006 election]] of Hamas and the [[Blockade of the Gaza Strip|imposition of a blockade]] by Israel.<ref>{{cite news|work=[[Al Jazeera Arabic|Al Jazeera]]|date=23 October 2012|title=Qatari emir in historic Gaza visit|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/10/2012102353137370247.html|access-date=23 October 2012}}</ref> He took a flight to Egypt before being driven into Gaza. While there, the Emir was thought to be launching a $254 million reconstruction project in the territory, and giving an address to the Palestinian people. Palestine's interior ministry was said to have a "well-prepared plan" to provide security for the emir during his stay.<ref>{{cite news|work=[[BBC News]]|date=23 October 2012|title=Qatar ruler set for landmark visit to Gaza|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-20037203|access-date=23 October 2012}}</ref> Incidents nevertheless continued.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=[[Evening Herald]]|date=23 October 2012|title=Gaza blast ahead of Qatari's visit|url=http://www.herald.ie/breaking-news/world-news/gaza-blast-ahead-of-qataris-visit-3269945.html|access-date=23 October 2012}}{{dead link|date=September 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

In October 2012, Hamad visited Gaza and pledged US$400 million in humanitarian aid to [[Hamas]], to build infrastructure projects and hospitals.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/24/world/middleeast/pledging-400-million-qatari-emir-makes-historic-visit-to-gaza-strip.html "Qatar's Emir Visits Gaza, Pledging $400 Million to Hamas"], [[The New York Times]], 23 October 2012.</ref> Despite Qatar's ties to Hamas, they maintain diplomatic and business relations with [[Israel]].<ref>[https://blogs.wsj.com/middleeast/2013/05/02/qatari-sheikh-said-to-want-to-visit-israel-on-business/ "Qatari Sheikh Said to Want to Visit Israel on Business"], ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'', 2 May 2013.</ref>

In December 2012, ''The New York Times'' accused the Qatari government of funding the [[Al-Nusra Front]], a U.S. government [[List of designated terrorist organizations|designated terrorist organization]].<ref name="nytimes.com">[https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/11/opinion/al-qaeda-in-syria.html "Al Qaeda in Syria"], Editorial, [[The New York Times]], 10 December 2012.</ref> Others{{who|date=June 2013}} have noted the Emir's visit to Gaza and meeting with Hamas, which houses a militant wing, [[Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades]].<ref name="ft.com">Kerr, Simeon, and Vita Bekker, [http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/0d0bb8de-1cf5-11e2-a17f-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2MxwMs81t "Qatar emir in landmark trip to Gaza"], ''[[Financial Times]]'', 23 October 2012.</ref> However, Qatar denies these allegations, stating that its policy is to help facilitate constructive engagement between Hamas and the [[Palestinian National Authority|Palestinian Authority]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Analysts: Qatar supports Gaza not Hamas |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2017/6/7/analysts-qatar-supports-gaza-not-hamas |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}}</ref>

In 2004, 2010, 2014, and 2017, the [[Politics of Qatar|Qatari government]] introduced new [[Anti-terrorism legislation|anti-terror laws]] to combat terrorism, terrorism financing and related crimes. In 2019 the Qatari government introduced a new [[Money laundering|anti-money laundering]] and [[Terrorism financing|counter terror financing]] laws.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Qatar |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/country-reports-on-terrorism-2019/qatar/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=United States Department of State |language=en-US}}</ref>

In August 2020, the US State Department sent the [[Coordinator for Counterterrorism]] [[Nathan Sales]] to Doha to thank Qatar for their efforts against terrorism and to discuss Qatar's role in combating the financing of terrorism, its new Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism legislation and its participation in the [[War against the Islamic State|Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=US envoy to thank Qatar for counterterrorism efforts |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/us-envoy-to-thank-qatar-for-counterterrorism-efforts/1939696 |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=www.aa.com.tr}}</ref>

==Investments==
In 2013, Hamad established the [[Qatar Investment Authority]], which has invested over $100 billion around the world, including [[The Shard]], [[Barclays|Barclays Bank]], [[Heathrow Airport]], [[Harrods]], [[Paris Saint-Germain F.C.]], [[Siemens]] and [[Shell plc|Royal Dutch Shell]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bollier |first=Sam |title=Qatar's renaissance man |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2013/6/26/can-qatar-replace-its-renaissance-man |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> It also holds about 17% stake in the [[Volkswagen Group]], [[Porsche]], [[Hochtief]], as well as investments in [[Sainsbury's]].

Hamad is listed as owner of Afrodille S.A., which had a bank account in Luxembourg and shares in two South African companies. He also held a majority of the shares in Rienne S.A. and Yalis S.A., which held a term deposit with the [[Bank of China]] in Luxembourg. A relative owned 25% of these: Sheikh [[Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani|Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani]], Qatar's former prime minister and foreign minister.

==Marriages and children==
Sheikh Hamad has three wives and twenty-four children, eleven sons and thirteen daughters:{{Citation needed|date=October 2021}}
*Hamad's first wife is his first cousin, Sheikha Mariam bint Muhammad Al Thani, the daughter of his paternal uncle, Sheikh Muhammad bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nationmultimedia.com/specials/60thking/qatar.php|title=Brunei|work=Nation Multimedia|access-date=26 March 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621155258/http://www.nationmultimedia.com/specials/60thking/qatar.php|archive-date=21 June 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> They have two sons and six daughters:
**Sheikh [[Mishaal bin Hamad Al Thani|Mishaal bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani]] (born 1972) – heir apparent of Qatar (1995–96)
**Sheikh Fahad bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
**Sheikha Aisha bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
**Sheikha Fatima bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
**Sheikha Rawdah bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
**Sheikha Hessa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
**Sheikha Mashael bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
**Sheikha Sara bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani – Program Coordinator for Reach Out to Asia-Qatar (ROTAQ)
*Hamad's second wife is Sheikha [[Moza bint Nasser|Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned]] (born 8 August 1959, [[Al-Khor]]), the daughter of Nasser bin Abdullah Al-Missned. They have five sons and two daughters:
**Sheikh [[Jassim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani]] (born 25 August 1978) – [[heir apparent]] of Qatar (1996–2003)
**Sheikh [[Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani|Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani]] (born 3 June 1980) – heir apparent of Qatar (2003–2013), current Emir of Qatar (2013–present)
**Sheikha [[Al-Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani|Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani]] (born 29 September 1983)
**Sheikha [[Hind bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani]] (born 15 August 1984)
**Sheikh [[Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani|Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani]] (born 1986)
**Sheikh [[Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani (born 1988)|Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani]] (born 18 April 1988)
**Sheikh [[Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani (born 1991)|Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani]]  (born 11 November 1991)
*Hamad's third wife is Sheikha Noora bint Khalid Al Thani, again his first cousin, the daughter of his paternal uncle, Sheikh [[Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani (born 1935)|Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani]], who was the minister of the interior. They have four sons and five daughters:
**Sheikh [[Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani|Khalid bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani]]
**Sheikh [[Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani|Abdullah bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani]] – Deputy Emir of Qatar since 11 November 2014.
**Sheikh [[Thani bin Hamad Al Thani|Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani]] (born 16 January 1994).
**Sheikh Al Qaqa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (born 30 June 2000)
**Sheikha Luluwah bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
**Sheikha Maha bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani 
**Sheikha Dana bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
**Sheikha Al Anoud bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
**Sheikha Mariam bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

==Titles, styles, honours and awards==
{{Infobox royal styles
|royal name  = Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
|image       = 
|dipstyle    = [[His Highness]]
|offstyle    = Your Highness
}}

===Titles===
*1 January 1952 – 22 February 1972: [[Sheikh]] Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
*22 February 1972 – 1977: ''[[Excellency|His Excellency]]'' Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
*1977 – 27 June 1995: ''His [[Highness]]'' Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Crown [[Prince]] of Qatar
*27 June 1995 – 25 June 2013: ''His Highness'' Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, [[Emir]] of the State of Qatar
*25 June 2013 – present: ''His Highness'' Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Father Emir of Qatar<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aleqt.com/2013/06/27/article_766088.html|title=الاقتصادية :أمير قطر : اللقب الرسمي للشيخ حمد هو "الأمير الوالد"|date=27 June 2013 |access-date=12 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gulf-times.com/qatar/178/details/357598/congratulations-pour-in-for-emir-and-father-emir|title=Congratulations pour in for Emir and Father Emir|date=27 June 2013|access-date=12 July 2016}}</ref>

===Honours===
[[File:His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned (7102244393).jpg|thumb|Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani with [[Moza bint Nasser|Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned]]]]

====National honours====
* Qatar:
**[[File:Order of Independence (Qatar) - ribbon bar.gif|55px]] Former Sovereign Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Independence
**[[File:QAT Order of Merit of the State of Qatar ribbon.svg|55px]] Former Sovereign Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit

====Foreign honours====
* Albania:
** Grand Cross of the [["Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu" Decoration|Order of George Castriot Skanderbeg]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://president.al/?p=18504 |title=Presidenti Nishani pritet nga Emiri i Shtetit të Katarit, Sheik Hamad Bin Khalifa al Thani &#124; President |access-date=12 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313123953/http://president.al/?p=18504 |archive-date=13 March 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
** Recipient of the [[National Flag Decoration|National Flag Order]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://president.al/?p=25345 |title=Presidenti i Republikës, Sh.T.Z. Bujar Nishani, gjatë vizitës shtetërore në Katar, u prit sot nga Emiri, Sheikh Tamin Bin Hamad Al-Thani &#124; President |access-date=12 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202180112/http://president.al/?p=25345 |archive-date=2 February 2017 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
* Austria: Grand Star of the [[Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.parlament.gv.at/PAKT/VHG/XXIV/AB/AB_10542/imfname_251156.pdf | title = Reply to a parliamentary question about the Decoration of Honour | language = de | page=1923 | access-date = 13 January 2013}}</ref>
* Bahrain: Collar of the [[Order of Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa]]
* Bulgaria: Grand Cross of the [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Bulgaria#Orders|Order of the Balkan Mountains]]
* Croatia: Grand Cross of the [[Grand Order of King Tomislav]]<ref name="amiridirwan1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.diwan.gov.qa/english/the_amir/the_amir_awardsreceived.htm|title=Orders Received by H.H The Amir|date=26 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100426041402/http://www.diwan.gov.qa/english/the_amir/the_amir_awardsreceived.htm|archive-date=26 April 2010}}</ref>
* Cuba: Member of the [[Order of José Martí]]<ref name="amiridirwan1"/>
* Dominican Republic: Grand Cross Special Class of the [[Order of Merit of Duarte, Sánchez and Mella]]<ref>Decree number 675-08 by Leonel Fernandez [http://www.consultoria.gov.do/consulta/Default.aspx Consultoria del Poder Ejecutivo (Spanish)]</ref>
* Egypt: Collar of the [[Order of the Nile]]<ref name="whoswho">{{cite book|author=Publitec Publications|title=Who's Who in the Arab World 2007-2008|publisher=De Gruyter|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NHCQBAFMwawC&pg=PA806|year=2007|page=806|isbn=978-3598077357}}</ref>
* Finland: Grand Cross with Collar of the [[Order of the White Rose of Finland|Order of the White Rose]]<ref name="amiridirwan1"/>
* France: Grand Cross of the [[Legion of Honour|National Order of the Legion of Honour]]<ref name="whoswho"/>
* Germany: Grand Cross Special Class of the [[Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany]]<ref name="whoswho"/>
* Greece: Grand Cross of the [[Order of the Redeemer]]<ref name="amiridirwan1"/>
* Indonesia: First Class of the [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Indonesia#Stars of the Republic of Indonesia|Order of the Star of Mahaputera]]<ref name="whoswho"/>
*  Italy: Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the [[Order of Merit of the Italian Republic]]<ref name="whoswho"/>
* Ivory Coast: Grand Cross with Collar of the [[National Order of the Ivory Coast|Order of the Ivory Coast]]<ref name="amiridirwan1"/>
* Jordan: Grand Cordon with Collar of the [[Order of Al-Hussein bin Ali]]<ref name="whoswho"/>
* Kuwait: Collar of the [[Order of Mubarak the Great]]
* Lebanon:
** Extraordinary Grade of the [[Order of Merit (Lebanon)|Order of Merit]]<ref name="whoswho"/>
** Grand Cordon of the [[National Order of the Cedar]]<ref name="whoswho"/>
* Malaysia: Honorary Recipient of the [[Order of the Crown of the Realm]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.istiadat.gov.my/index.php/component/semakanlantikanskp/|title=Bahagian Istiadat dan Urusetia Persidangan Antarabangsa|website=www.istiadat.gov.my|access-date=12 July 2016|archive-date=19 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719195551/http://www.istiadat.gov.my/index.php/component/semakanlantikanskp|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Malta: Honorary Companion of Honour with Collar of the [[National Order of Merit (Malta)|National Order of Merit]]<ref name="amiridirwan1"/>
* Morocco: Collar of the [[Order of Muhammad]]<ref name="whoswho"/><ref name="amiridirwan1"/>
* The Netherlands: Knight Grand Cross of [[Order of the Netherlands Lion]]<ref>[http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/1013/Buitenland/article/detail/1896216/2011/03/09/Koningin-zegt-het-met-parels-in-Qatar.dhtml Koningin zegt het met parels in Qatar] – website of the [[Algemeen Dagblad]] (in Dutch))</ref>
* North Macedonia: First Class of the [[Order 8-September]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://heraldika.org.mk/en/news/%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BB%D1%83%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%9A%D0%B5-%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD-8-%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%BF%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%B2%D1%80%D0%B8-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%B8/|title=Order "September 8" for Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar|publisher=Heraldika.mk|date=17 October 2011|access-date=27 June 2015}}</ref>
* Oman:
** Member Special Class of the [[Order of Oman]]<ref name="whoswho"/>
** Knight Grand Cross of the [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Oman|Order of Merit]]<ref name="whoswho"/>
* Pakistan: Recipient of the [[Nishan-e-Pakistan]]<ref name="whoswho"/>
* Peru: Grand Cross of the [[Order of the Sun of Peru]] (13 February 2013)<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://cde.gestion2.e3.pe/doc/0/0/1/5/2/152563.pdf |title=Condecorados: Orden El Sol del Peru |date= |work=Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores |access-date=2022-07-11 |language=en |archive-date=9 October 2022 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://cde.gestion2.e3.pe/doc/0/0/1/5/2/152563.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Philippines: Grand Collar (Supremo) of the [[Order of Lakandula]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dohanews.co/emir-makes-qatars-first-ever-state-visit-to-the/|title=Emir makes Qatar's first-ever state visit to the Philippines |publisher=[[Doha News]] |date=11 April 2012|access-date=27 June 2015}}</ref>
* Portugal: Grand Collar of the [[Order of Prince Henry]]<ref name="amiridirwan1"/>
* Romania: Collar of the [[Order of the Star of Romania]]<ref>[http://canord.presidency.ro/Ord.St.Rom..xls Recipients of the order (Excel sheet)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328054109/http://canord.presidency.ro/Ord.St.Rom..xls |date=28 March 2014 }} – website of the Romanian President</ref>
* Saudi Arabia: Collar of the [[Order of King Abdulaziz]]<ref name="whoswho"/>
* Senegal: Grand Cross of the [[National Order of the Lion]]<ref name="whoswho"/>
* South Africa: Grand Cross with Collar of the [[Order of Good Hope]]
* Spain: Collar of the [[Order of Isabella the Catholic]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://boe.es/boe/dias/2011/04/21/pdfs/BOE-A-2011-7190.pdf |title=Real Decreto 587/2011|date=2011-04-21|work=[[Boletín Oficial del Estado]] |access-date=2021-05-28|language=en}}</ref>
* Thailand: Knight of the [[Order of the Rajamitrabhorn]]
* Tunisia: Grand Cordon of the [http://www.medals.org.uk/tunisia/tunisia006.htm Order of 7 November]<ref name="whoswho"/>
* United Kingdom:
** Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the [[Order of the Bath]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/512855/2010_Honorary_Awards.pdf|publisher=Gov.uk|date=24 March 2016|access-date=18 December 2018|title=Honorary British awards to foreign nationals - 2010}}</ref>
** Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the [[Order of St Michael and St George]]<ref name="whoswho"/>
* Venezuela:
** Grand Cordon of the [[Order of the Liberator]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rnv.gov.ve/movil/post.php?p=130882|title=Venezuela and Qatar sign trade cooperation agreement|publisher=[[Radio Nacional de Venezuela]]|date=22 January 2010|access-date=27 June 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924091925/http://www.rnv.gov.ve/movil/post.php?p=130882|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref>
** Grand Cross of the [[Order of Francisco de Miranda]]<ref name="whoswho"/>
* Yemen: Grand Cross of the Order of the Republic<ref name="whoswho"/>

===Awards===
* Albania
** Tirana: [[Honorary citizenship|Honorary Citizen]] of the City of [[Tirana]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tirana.gov.al/?cid=1,62,4289|title=Bashkia Tiranë|access-date=12 July 2016|archive-date=6 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406064716/http://www.tirana.gov.al/?cid=1,62,4289|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Monaco
** [[World Athletics|International Association of Athletics Federations]]: Member of the Golden Order of Merit<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.worldathletics.org/news/news/emir-of-qatar-is-awarded-the-iaaf-golden-orde|title=Emir of Qatar is awarded the IAAF Golden Order of Merit|date=|work=[[World Athletics]]|access-date=2021-05-28|language=en}}</ref>
* United States
** ''[[Foreign Policy]] Magazine''': Top 100 Global Thinker - "For filling the leadership vacuum in the Middle East."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/11/26/the_fp_100_global_thinkers?page=0,39 |title=The FP Top 100 Global Thinkers |date=26 November 2012 |work=[[Foreign Policy (magazine)|Foreign Policy]]|access-date=28 November 2012 |archive-date=30 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130221322/http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/11/26/the_fp_100_global_thinkers?page=0,33 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==See also==
{{portal|Biography|Royalty}}
*[[List of the richest royals]]
{{Clear}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}
<!-- ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.qatarembassy.net/emir.asp | title = Sheikh Hamad's Biography|publisher = Qatar Embassy | access-date = 6 March 2013}}</ref -->

==External links==
{{commons category-inline}}
*{{Charlie Rose view|5398}}
*{{Aljazeeratopic|person/khalifa-al-thani}}
*[http://www.denverpost.com/excerpts/ci_0002706197 Denver Post article on His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani and his rise to power]
*[http://yachts.monacoeye.com/yachtsbysize/pages/stargate01.html Stargate] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406010846/http://yachts.monacoeye.com/yachtsbysize/pages/stargate01.html |date=6 April 2023 }} Photo of Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa's yacht no. 1
*[http://yachts.monacoeye.com/yachtsbysize/pages/constellation01.html Constellation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407144320/http://yachts.monacoeye.com/yachtsbysize/pages/constellation01.html |date=7 April 2022 }} Photo of Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa's yacht no. 2
*{{IMDb name|3105112}}

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{{s-bef|before=[[Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of emirs of Qatar|Emir of Qatar]]|years=1995–2013}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani]]}}
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{{s-off}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of Prime Ministers of Qatar|Prime Minister of Qatar]]|years=1995–1996}}
{{s-aft|after={{nowrap|[[Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani]]}}}}
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{{QatarEmirs}}
{{QatarPMs}}
{{Order of Lakandula recipients}}
{{Authority control}}

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[[Category:Graduates of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst]]
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