Khalifa al-Thani

Khalifa al-Thani is the father of the current Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. He served as Emir from 1972 until his abdication in 1995, during which time he was instrumental in transforming Qatar into a significant player in regional and international politics, particularly through the development of its natural gas resources and its media presence via Al Jazeera. His legacy continues to influence Qatari politics and society, and he is often seen in public events, engaging with various leaders and fostering diplomatic relations.