Born on 1st January 1952, HH Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, was the ruling Emir of the state of Qatar from 1995 to 2013. And the father of Qatari infrastructure and development is considered one of the greatest ruler of Qatar. 

HH Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani has been successful in turning Qatar from a small backwater desert into a major world power by continuing to exploit the country’s vast oil fields and discovering the world’s third-largest gas reserves. In 2010 liquefied natural gas production had reached 77 million tonnes, making Qatar the richest county in the world. With fewer than two million inhabitants, the average income in the country shot to a staggering $86,440 per year per person. 

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 neighbouring countries and Western governments alike.

The Qatar investment authorities subsidiaries under Sheikh Hamad have acquired many businesses abroad including iconic Harrods, Paris based department store Printemps, French football club Paris Saint-German FC, a 10% stake in Porche, 75% stake in film studio Mirama, acquired from Disney, a $100 million in Chernin Group- Owner of Fox News and much more. One of the feathers in his cap is the Media Network Al Jazeera, Sheikh Hamad is considered as the real power behind Al Jazeera News Network. 

The former Emir of the state of Qatar not only revived the economy but also modernised cultural and social scenario. During his tenure, Qatar extended its status among the Arab and international community. He transformed the state into an advance country capable of achieving and sustaining development ensuring the continuation of a decent life for its people generation after generation.

Today Qatar is not just excelling in the Feild of Education and sports but also has achieved for excellence in making a strong Health and medical infrastructure. Qatari diplomacy also played a leading role in conflicts resolution and containment in different parts of the world.

On December 2010, Qatar became the first Arab and Islamic nation to win the hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, by the ambitious and non-traditional investment ventures pursued by the country under the rule of His Highness.

On 25th June 2013, he handed over his legacy to his heir apparent Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani.