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Qatar's former ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at 74
By Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 12, 2026
· 5 min read
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who as ruler of Qatar transformed the tiny Persian 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 ...
Key takeaway 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 into an international crossroads in less than a generation.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio 's own global connections, fostered through its international business and cultural exchanges, may be impacted by the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. As a city with a growing presence in the global market, San Antonio's business leaders and entrepreneurs may be watching Qatar's next moves closely, particularly given the country's significant investments in international markets. The Al Jazeera network, founded by Sheikh Hamad, has also been a source of news and information for San Antonio's diverse community, and its coverage of global events may continue to shape local perspectives on international issues. Furthermore, San Antonio's own hosting of international events, such as the NCAA Men's Final Four, may draw inspiration from Qatar's successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the city may look to Qatar as a model for navigating the complexities of global diplomacy and cultural exchange.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 12, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who as ruler of Qatar transformed the tiny Persian 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 ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 12, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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