Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Passed Away

 Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Passed Away

• Who: Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, age 74. Ruled Qatar 1995-2013.
• Born: 1952, Al Thani royal family ruling since 1851.
• Positions: Commander of Armed Forces, Defence Minister, Crown Prince before Emir.
• How came to power: Bloodless coup in 1995.
• Abdication: Voluntarily abdicated in 2013 in favour of son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani - one of first modern Arab leaders to peacefully transfer power.
• Achievements: Made Qatar leading LNG exporter, launched Al Jazeera, established Qatar Investment Authority [QIA], expanded Qatar Airways, Hosted FIFA World Cup 2022.
• Honours: Grand Collar of Order of Prince Henry, Collar of Order of Isabella the Catholic.[Portugal][Spain]
• UPSC Relevance: GS2 - IR, West Asia, India-Qatar energy ties.