How Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani turned Qatar into a Middle East power

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, known as Qatar's "father emir," fundamentally redefined his country's position in the Middle East during his years in power. Through soft-power policies — including investments, the founding of Al Jazeera and active diplomacy — Qatar became one of the region's most influential states. His legacy continues to shape Qatari foreign and regional policy today.