Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who raised Qatar’s global profile, dies at 74

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Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, former ruler of Qatar who significantly elevated the nation's global diplomatic and economic stature and voluntarily ceded power to his son in 2013, has died at age 74. His leadership transformed Qatar into a key global player.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who as ruler of Qatar transformed the tiny Gulf nation into a global player in diplomacy, media and investment, and then shattered tradition by voluntarily turning over power to his son, has died, state media reported. He was 74. The state-run Qatar News Agency reported his death. It offered no cause. Sheikh Hamad, who stepped down in June 2013 after 18 years as emir, was the architect of energy-rich Qatar’s stunning ambitions that turned it from a backwater...