Hamad bin Khalifa
Encyclopedia
Sheikh
Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is the ruling Emir
of the State of Qatar since 1995.
Sheikh Hamad was the appointed Heir Apparent of Qatar between 1977 and 1995 and at the same time Minister of Defense. In the early 1980s he led the Supreme Planning Council, which sets the Qatar's basic economic and social policies. Starting in 1992, Hamad had a growing responsibility for the day-to-day running of the country, including the development of Qatar's oil
and natural gas
resources. On 27 June 1995, after deposing his father in a palace coup, Sheikh Hamad became Emir of Qatar and was crowned on 20 June 2000.
. Upon his graduation in 1971, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Qatari armed forces and commanded the 1st Mobile Battalion, which has since been designated the "Hamad Mobile Battalion" in his honor.
Hamad was later promoted to the rank of Major General and appointed Commander in Chief of the Qatari Armed Forces
. He oversaw an extensive program to modernize Qatar's military, increasing manpower, creating new units, updating weaponry, and improving training. He is also promoting Islamist parties in Libya, Syria and Palestine.
and natural gas
resources. With the support of his family, Sheikh Hamad took control of the country in 1995 while his father was abroad.
The Emir is considered to be progressive among Muslim leaders. In a break with the traditional role, his second wife Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned has been a visible advocate for education and children's causes.
A sportsman and an accomplished diver, Hamad has played an active role in promoting and developing athletics in Qatar. His activism has enhanced the country's involvement and performance in a number of international competitions, including: winning an Olympic medal in track and field; hosting a wide variety of international sporting events such as the 15th Asian Games
, GCC, Asian and World Youth soccer championships; and initiating the Qatar Open Tennis Championship which has grown to become one of two premier tennis competitions in the Middle East.
Under his rule the Quatari government helped to fund the Al Jazeera
news network, funding it by an emiri decree
. In an analysis of Al Jazeera, Hugh Miles claimed that diplomats from other countries know that the Emir is the real power behind Al Jazeera but he also quotes a network spokesman denying 'countless times' this accusation, adding that many independent news sources also have subsidies from their respective governments without this implying editorial dabbling and explaining that trying to coerce the kind of journalists Al Jazeera has would be like trying to 'herd cats'. Sheik Hamad is a distant cousin of the network chairman, Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani
, who was previously Minister of Information in the Emir Al-Thani government. Following the initial US$137 million grant from Emir Al-Thani, Al Jazeera had aimed to become self-sufficient through advertising by 2001, but when this failed to occur, the Emir agreed to several consecutive loans on a year-by-year basis (US$30 million in 2004, according to Arnaud de Borchgrave
). At an October 3, 2001 press conference, Colin Powell
tried to persuade Sheik Hamad, to shut down Al Jazeera while The New York based organization Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting
commented that in those efforts, "Powell and other U.S. officials were reportedly upset by the channel re-airing old interviews with bin Laden and the inclusion of guests that are too critical of the United States on its programs." The Washington Post
reported in 2005 that Sheik Hamad was under pressure to privatize the network.
Hamad recently purchased a Rothko painting at auction at Sotheby's in 2007 for a record US$72.84 million.
leaders in the realm of international relations. Despite the prevalence of anti-Israel sentiment within the Arab world
, he met with Israeli minister Tzipi Livni
in New York. This marks the first real attempt by any leader in the Persian Gulf to pursue dialogue with Israel
.
(decorated by President of Albania Bamir Topi
on 18 October 2011) : Honorary Citizen of Tirana
, capital of Albania
(12 October 2011)
on February 11, 2011. Qatari Holdings offered £1.6 billion to Malcolm Glazer
, the current American owner of the club. This follows a series of endeavors by the Emir and other Qataris into the World Football community, following Qatar's successful bid for the 2022 World Cup, and the Qatar Foundation's recent £125m shirt deal with FC Barcelona. In mid-June 2011, rumours resurfaced that Qatari Holdings were preparing a £2 Billion takeover bid and that the funding that the club had been using for transfers since the start of June, was actually supplied by the Qataris and not the Glazer Family.
Sheikh
Not to be confused with sikhSheikh — also spelled Sheik or Shaikh, or transliterated as Shaykh — is an honorific in the Arabic language that literally means "elder" and carries the meaning "leader and/or governor"...
Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is the ruling Emir
Emir
Emir , meaning "commander", "general", or "prince"; also transliterated as Amir, Aamir or Ameer) is a title of high office, used throughout the Muslim world...
of the State of Qatar since 1995.
Sheikh Hamad was the appointed Heir Apparent of Qatar between 1977 and 1995 and at the same time Minister of Defense. In the early 1980s he led the Supreme Planning Council, which sets the Qatar's basic economic and social policies. Starting in 1992, Hamad had a growing responsibility for the day-to-day running of the country, including the development of Qatar's oil
Oil
An oil is any substance that is liquid at ambient temperatures and does not mix with water but may mix with other oils and organic solvents. This general definition includes vegetable oils, volatile essential oils, petrochemical oils, and synthetic oils....
and natural gas
Natural gas
Natural gas is a naturally occurring gas mixture consisting primarily of methane, typically with 0–20% higher hydrocarbons . It is found associated with other hydrocarbon fuel, in coal beds, as methane clathrates, and is an important fuel source and a major feedstock for fertilizers.Most natural...
resources. On 27 June 1995, after deposing his father in a palace coup, Sheikh Hamad became Emir of Qatar and was crowned on 20 June 2000.
Early life
Sheikh Hamad began his education in Qatar and later attended Sandhurst Military Academy in EnglandEngland
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. Upon his graduation in 1971, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Qatari armed forces and commanded the 1st Mobile Battalion, which has since been designated the "Hamad Mobile Battalion" in his honor.
Hamad was later promoted to the rank of Major General and appointed Commander in Chief of the Qatari Armed Forces
Military of Qatar
The Qatar Armed Forces are the military forces of Qatar. The country maintains a modest military force of approximately 11,800 men, including an army , navy and air force . Qatar's defense expenditures accounted for approximately 4.2% of gross national product in 1993...
. He oversaw an extensive program to modernize Qatar's military, increasing manpower, creating new units, updating weaponry, and improving training. He is also promoting Islamist parties in Libya, Syria and Palestine.
As Emir
In the early 1980s, Hamad led the Supreme Planning Council, which sets the Qatar's basic economic and social policies. Starting in 1992, Hamad's father handed over responsibility for the day-to-day running of the country, including the development of Qatar's oilOil
An oil is any substance that is liquid at ambient temperatures and does not mix with water but may mix with other oils and organic solvents. This general definition includes vegetable oils, volatile essential oils, petrochemical oils, and synthetic oils....
and natural gas
Natural gas
Natural gas is a naturally occurring gas mixture consisting primarily of methane, typically with 0–20% higher hydrocarbons . It is found associated with other hydrocarbon fuel, in coal beds, as methane clathrates, and is an important fuel source and a major feedstock for fertilizers.Most natural...
resources. With the support of his family, Sheikh Hamad took control of the country in 1995 while his father was abroad.
The Emir is considered to be progressive among Muslim leaders. In a break with the traditional role, his second wife Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned has been a visible advocate for education and children's causes.
A sportsman and an accomplished diver, Hamad has played an active role in promoting and developing athletics in Qatar. His activism has enhanced the country's involvement and performance in a number of international competitions, including: winning an Olympic medal in track and field; hosting a wide variety of international sporting events such as the 15th Asian Games
2006 Asian Games
The 15th Asian Games, officially known as the XV Asiad, is Asia's Olympic-style sporting event that was held in Doha, Qatar from December 1 to December 15, 2006. Doha was the first city in its region and only the second in West Asia to host the games...
, GCC, Asian and World Youth soccer championships; and initiating the Qatar Open Tennis Championship which has grown to become one of two premier tennis competitions in the Middle East.
Under his rule the Quatari government helped to fund the Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera is an independent broadcaster owned by the state of Qatar through the Qatar Media Corporation and headquartered in Doha, Qatar...
news network, funding it by an emiri decree
Decree
A decree is a rule of law issued by a head of state , according to certain procedures . It has the force of law...
. In an analysis of Al Jazeera, Hugh Miles claimed that diplomats from other countries know that the Emir is the real power behind Al Jazeera but he also quotes a network spokesman denying 'countless times' this accusation, adding that many independent news sources also have subsidies from their respective governments without this implying editorial dabbling and explaining that trying to coerce the kind of journalists Al Jazeera has would be like trying to 'herd cats'. Sheik Hamad is a distant cousin of the network chairman, Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani
Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani
Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer bin Mohammed bin Thani Al-Thani is the owner of Al Jazeera, which is based in Qatar. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors and President of the Board of Administration.He is the chairman of Qatar Media Corporation....
, who was previously Minister of Information in the Emir Al-Thani government. Following the initial US$137 million grant from Emir Al-Thani, Al Jazeera had aimed to become self-sufficient through advertising by 2001, but when this failed to occur, the Emir agreed to several consecutive loans on a year-by-year basis (US$30 million in 2004, according to Arnaud de Borchgrave
Arnaud de Borchgrave
Arnaud de Borchgrave is an American journalist who specializes in international politics.Born in Belgium to Audrey Dorothy Louise Townshend, daughter of Major General Sir Charles Vere Ferrers Townshend, and Belgian count Baudouin de Borchgrave d’Altena , head of Belgium's military intelligence...
). At an October 3, 2001 press conference, Colin Powell
Colin Powell
Colin Luther Powell is an American statesman and a retired four-star general in the United States Army. He was the 65th United States Secretary of State, serving under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005. He was the first African American to serve in that position. During his military...
tried to persuade Sheik Hamad, to shut down Al Jazeera while The New York based organization Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting
Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting
Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting is a progressive media criticism organization based in New York City, founded in 1986.FAIR describes itself on its website as "the national media watch group" and defines its mission as working to "invigorate the First Amendment by advocating for greater diversity...
commented that in those efforts, "Powell and other U.S. officials were reportedly upset by the channel re-airing old interviews with bin Laden and the inclusion of guests that are too critical of the United States on its programs." The Washington Post
The Washington Post
The Washington Post is Washington, D.C.'s largest newspaper and its oldest still-existing paper, founded in 1877. Located in the capital of the United States, The Post has a particular emphasis on national politics. D.C., Maryland, and Virginia editions are printed for daily circulation...
reported in 2005 that Sheik Hamad was under pressure to privatize the network.
Hamad recently purchased a Rothko painting at auction at Sotheby's in 2007 for a record US$72.84 million.
Marriages and children
Sheikh Hamad has three wives and twenty-four children, eleven sons and thirteen daughters:- He married his first wife H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Muhammad Al-Thani, who is the daughter of his first cousin, Sheikh Muhammad bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Thani. Hamad and his first wife have two sons and six daughters:
- H.E. Sheikh Mishaal bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al ThaniMishaal bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al ThaniSheikh Mishal bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani He is a member of the Royal House of Thani. He is the first son and eldest child of the current Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and his first wife, Sheikha Mariam bint Muhammad Al-Thani.-Career:Sheikh Mishal is President of the Arab...
(born 1972) – ambassador to Belgium and the EU - H.E. Sheikh Fahd bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
- H.E. Sheikha Aisha bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
- H.E. Sheikha Hussah bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
- H.E. Sheikha Sara bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani – Program Coordinator for Reach Out to Asia-Qatar (ROTAQ)
- H.E. Sheikha Rawdah bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
- H.E. Sheikha Fatima bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
- H.E. Sheikha Mashael bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
- H.E. Sheikh Mishaal bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
- His second wife is H.H. Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al-Misnad (born 8 August 1959, Al-KhorAl-KhorAl-Khor Sports Club, , is a Qatari professional sports club featuring teams in a number of sports such as football, futsal, basketball, volleyball, handball, athletics, table tennis and swimming. It is best known for its football team which plays in the Stars League at Al-Khawr Stadium in Al Khor...
), the daughter of Nasser bin Abdullah Al Missned. Together they have five sons and two daughters:- H.H. Sheikh Jasim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al ThaniJasim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al ThaniSheikh Jasim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was the former heir apparent of Qatar. He is the third son of the current Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and the first child of the Emir with his second wife, Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned.-Education and career:Sheikh Jasim was...
(born 1978) – Heir ApparentHeir apparentAn heir apparent or heiress apparent is a person who is first in line of succession and cannot be displaced from inheriting, except by a change in the rules of succession....
of QatarQatarQatar , also known as the State of Qatar or locally Dawlat Qaṭar, is a sovereign Arab state, located in the Middle East, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeasterly coast of the much larger Arabian Peninsula. Its sole land border is with Saudi Arabia to the south, with the rest of its...
before 2003 - H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Crown Prince of Qatar (born 1980) – Heir Apparent of Qatar since 2003
- H.E. Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-ThaniAl-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-ThaniSheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani is the 14th child of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the current Emir of Qatar, and the eldest daughter of the Emir with his second wife, Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al-Missned....
(born 1983) - H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-ThaniJoaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al ThaniSheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani is a close member of Royal House of Thani. He is the fifth son of the current Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and the third child of the Emir with his second wife, Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned.-Education and career:Sheikh Joaan...
(born 1985) - H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani (born 1988)
- H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani (born 1991)
- H.E. Sheikha Hind bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani – director of the Emir’s Office since 2009
- H.H. Sheikh Jasim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
- Hamad also has a third wife, H.H. Sheikha Noora bint Khalid Al-Thani, daughter of H.E. Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani, who was the Minister of the Interior. Together they have four sons and five daughters:
- H.E. Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al ThaniKhalid bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al ThaniSheikh Khalid bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani is a close member of the Royal House of Thani. He is the sixth son of the current Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and the first child of the Emir with his third wife, Sheikha Noora bint Khalid Al-Thani.-Marriage and children:He married...
- H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani – president of the Al-Rayyan Sports Club
- H.E. Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
- H.E. Sheikh Al-Qaqa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
- H.E. Sheikha Lulwaa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
- H.E. Sheikha Maha bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
- H.E. Sheikha Dana bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
- H.E. Sheikha Al-Anood bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
- H.E. Sheikha Mariam bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
- H.E. Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
Diplomacy
The Emir is a progressive statesman relative to other Persian GulfPersian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
leaders in the realm of international relations. Despite the prevalence of anti-Israel sentiment within the Arab world
Arab–Israeli conflict
The Arab–Israeli conflict refers to political tensions and open hostilities between the Arab peoples and the Jewish community of the Middle East. The modern Arab-Israeli conflict began with the rise of Zionism and Arab Nationalism towards the end of the nineteenth century, and intensified with the...
, he met with Israeli minister Tzipi Livni
Tzipi Livni
Tzipporah Malkah "Tzipi" Livni is an Israeli lawyer and politician. She is the current Israeli Opposition Leader and leader of Kadima, the largest party in the Knesset. Raised an ardent nationalist, Livni has become one of her nation's leading voices for the two-state solution. In Israel she has...
in New York. This marks the first real attempt by any leader in the Persian Gulf to pursue dialogue with Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
.
Titles and styles
- SheikhSheikhNot to be confused with sikhSheikh — also spelled Sheik or Shaikh, or transliterated as Shaykh — is an honorific in the Arabic language that literally means "elder" and carries the meaning "leader and/or governor"...
Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (1952–1972) - His ExcellencyExcellencyExcellency is an honorific style given to certain members of an organization or state.Usually, people styled "Excellency" are heads of state, heads of government, governors, ambassadors, certain ecclesiastics, royalty, aristocracy, and military, and others holding equivalent rank .It is...
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (1972–1977) - His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Heir Apparent of Qatar (1977–1995)
- His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar (1995–present)
Honours and awards
Sheikh Hamad received numerous honours and awards, both during and before his time as Emir:National honours
: Skanderbeg's OrderSkanderbeg's Order
Skanderbeg's Order is an honorary decoration given in Albania to Albanian and foreign citizens that have made an important contribution to the defence, reinforcement and development of Albania and is awarded by the Albanian President....
(decorated by President of Albania Bamir Topi
Bamir Topi
Bamir Myrteza Topi is the fifth and current President of Albania since 24 July 2007. He was also Honorary President of Albanian football club KF Tirana from 2005 to 2007.-Early life and public activities:...
on 18 October 2011) : Honorary Citizen of Tirana
Tirana
Tirana is the capital and the largest city of Albania. Modern Tirana was founded as an Ottoman town in 1614 by Sulejman Bargjini, a local ruler from Mullet, although the area has been continuously inhabited since antiquity. Tirana became Albania's capital city in 1920 and has a population of over...
, capital of Albania
Albania
Albania , officially known as the Republic of Albania , is a country in Southeastern Europe, in the Balkans region. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, the Republic of Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south and southeast. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea...
(12 October 2011)
-
Cote D'IvoireCôte d'IvoireThe Republic of Côte d'Ivoire or Ivory Coast is a country in West Africa. It has an area of , and borders the countries Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana; its southern boundary is along the Gulf of Guinea. The country's population was 15,366,672 in 1998 and was estimated to be...
: Collar of the Greater Star (2002): Knight Grand Cross of the Grand Order of King TomislavGrand Order of King TomislavThe Grand Order of King Tomislav , or more fully the Grand Order of King Tomislav with Sash and Great Morning Star , is the highest state order of the Republic of Croatia...
(2009): Member of the Order of José MartiOrder of José MartiThe Order of José Marti is a state honor in Cuba.It has been given to:* Salvadore Allende* Nicolae Ceausescu* Owen Arthur* Gustav Husak* Mengistu Haile Mariam* Robert Mugabe* Erich Honecker* Felipe González* Julius Nyerere...
(2000): Grand Cross with Gold Breast Star of the Order of Merit of Duarte, Sanchez and MellaOrder of Merit of Duarte, Sanchez and MellaThe Order of Merit of Duarte, Sanchez and Mella is the principal order of the Dominican Republic. It was established on 24 February 1931 as the Juan Pablo Duarte Order of Merit and renamed on 9 September 1954...
(2008): Grand Cordon of the Order of the NileOrder of the NileThe Order of the Nile is Egypt's highest state honor. The award was instituted in 1915 by Sultan Hussein Kamel to be awarded by Egypt for exceptional services to the nation...
(1976): Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the White Rose of Finland (2007): Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour (1998): Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour (1980): Grand Cross 1st class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (1999): The Grand Cross of the Order of the RedeemerOrder of the RedeemerThe Order of the Redeemer , also known as the Order of the Savior, is an order of Greece. The Order of the Redeemer is the oldest and highest decoration awarded by the modern Greek state.- History :...
(2007): Piagam Tanda Kehormation (1977): Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian RepublicOrder of Merit of the Italian RepublicThe Order of Merit of the Italian Republic was founded as the senior order of knighthood by the second President of the Italian Republic, Luigi Einaudi in 1951...
(2000): Collar of the Order of al-Hussein bin Ali (1995): Grand Cordon of the National Order of the CedarNational Order of the CedarThe National Order of the Cedar is a prestigious civilian and military award and Medal of the Lebanese Government. This Order is the highest decoration in Lebanon and is made up of five Grades :* Grand Cordon...
(2000): Grand Cordon of the Libanese Order of Merit (1986): Order of the 8th of September (2011): National Order of Merit: Special Class of the Order of the Mohammediya (2002): First Class of the Order of the Mohammediya medal (1986): Grand Cross of Order of the Netherlands Lion (March 2011): Member of the Order of MeritOrder of MeritThe Order of Merit is a British dynastic order recognising distinguished service in the armed forces, science, art, literature, or for the promotion of culture...
(Wisam al-Asthaq, 1995): Order of Oman (Wisam Al-Sharif Al-Oman, 1975): Nishan-e-PakistanNishan-e-PakistanThe Nishan-e-Pakistan is the highest of civil awards and decorations given by the Government of Pakistan for the highest degree of service to the country and nation of Pakistan...
(1999): Grand Officer of the Order of Infante D. Henrique (2009): Sash rank of the Order of the Star of RomaniaOrder of the Star of RomaniaThe Order of the Star of Romania is Romania's highest civil order. It is awarded by the President of Romania...
(1999): Order of Abdulaziz al SaudOrder of Abdulaziz al SaudThe Order of Abdulaziz al Saud is a Saudi-Arabian Order of merit. The order has been named after Abdulaziz Al Saud who founded the Saudi kingdom and died in 1953.-History:...
(1976): Grand Cross of the Order of the National Lion (1998): Medal of 7th November (1997): Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St GeorgeOrder of St Michael and St GeorgeThe Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George is an order of chivalry founded on 28 April 1818 by George, Prince Regent, later George IV of the United Kingdom, while he was acting as Prince Regent for his father, George III....
(GCMG, 1976): Grand Collar of the Order of the LiberatorOrder of the LiberatorThe Order of the Liberator is the highest distinction of Venezuela and is appointed for services to the country, outstading merit and benefits made to the community. For Venezuelans the order ranks first from other orders, national and foreign....
(2010): Order of Francisco de MirandaOrder of Francisco de MirandaThe Order of Francisco de Miranda is conferred by the Republic of Venezuela in memory of Francisco de Miranda . This national honor and decoration was created to recognize Venezuelan citizens and foreigners who have contributed to the sciences, to the progress of the country, to the humanities or...
(1977): Order of Republic (2000)
Other awards
-
IAAFInternational Association of Athletics FederationsThe International Association of Athletics Federations is the international governing body for the sport of athletics. It was founded in 1912 at its first congress in Stockholm, Sweden by representatives from 17 national athletics federations as the International Amateur Athletics Federation...
: Golden Order of Merit (2005)
Sports investments
Media sources claimed that Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani made a bid for Manchester UnitedManchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
on February 11, 2011. Qatari Holdings offered £1.6 billion to Malcolm Glazer
Malcolm Glazer
Malcolm Irving Glazer is an American businessman and sports team owner. He is the president and chief executive officer of First Allied Corporation, a holding company for his varied business interests, most notably in the food processing industry...
, the current American owner of the club. This follows a series of endeavors by the Emir and other Qataris into the World Football community, following Qatar's successful bid for the 2022 World Cup, and the Qatar Foundation's recent £125m shirt deal with FC Barcelona. In mid-June 2011, rumours resurfaced that Qatari Holdings were preparing a £2 Billion takeover bid and that the funding that the club had been using for transfers since the start of June, was actually supplied by the Qataris and not the Glazer Family.
See also
- Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani (Heir apparent)
- Emir of Qatar
- House of Thani
- List of the richest royals
External links
- Official site of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani
- Genealogy of The Al-Thani Dynasty, Page 7 - Website RoyalArk.net
- Portrait of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani
- Denver Post article on His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani and his rise to power
- Stargate Photo of Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa's yacht no. 1
- Constellation Photo of Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa's yacht no. 2
