Al Jazeera English · updated 2026-07-12

Sheikh Hamad Ruled Qatar From 1995 to 2013 and Was Key Architect of Gulf Country's Development

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Al Jazeera English

“SHEIKH HAMAD RULED QATAR FROM 1995 TO 2013 AND WAS AN ARCHITECT OF THE GULF NATION'S DEVELOPMENT”

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This storyWhat will be Sheikh Hamad's most lasting legacy for Qatar?

  • Al Jazeera & global media reach 0%
  • 2022 FIFA World Cup bid 0%
  • LNG wealth & economic boom 0%
  • Regional diplomatic clout 0%

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Sheikh Hamad founded Al Jazeera & abdicated peacefully in 2013

As Emir, he launched Al Jazeera in 1996 and became one of the few Gulf rulers to voluntarily hand power to his son, Tamim. Learn more at Wikipedia

Sheikh Hamad founded Al Jazeera — then stepped down voluntarily

As Emir of Qatar (1995–2013), he launched Al Jazeera in 1996 and repositioned Qatar as a global diplomatic player. In 2013, he became one of the first Gulf rulers to peacefully transfer power — to his son, Tamim.

Topic poll · all networksBy how much did Qatar's GDP per capita multiply under Sheikh Hamad's rule?

  1. About 2 times
  2. About 4 times
  3. Nearly 6 times
  4. Over 10 times
Guess, then reveal the answer

Nearly 6 times

Sheikh Hamad voluntarily abdicated in 2013 — rare for Gulf rulers.

When Hamad handed power to son Tamim at just 61, it was unprecedented in the Gulf, where rulers typically reign for life. He also founded Al Jazeera in 1996, permanently reshaping regional media.

Topic poll · all networksHow much did Sheikh Hamad grant to launch Al Jazeera in 1996?

  1. $50 million
  2. $150 million
  3. $300 million
  4. $500 million
Guess, then reveal the answer

$150 million

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