THE 500 MOST INFLUENTIAL MUSLIMS - CESD

21HIS HIGHNESS EMIRSHEIKH HAMAD BIN KHALIFA AL THANIEmir of QatarAcceding to power in 1995, His Highness Emir SheikhHamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is the 9th emir (also amir,leader) of the state of Qatar. The monarchy of Qatar isincreasingly powerful as an economic force in the midstof a downturn in surrounding countries, a mediator ofpeace, and a thriving emirate on the northeastern coastof the Arabian Peninsula. Sheikh Hamad’s leadership ismarked by successful reform. He has made significantefforts to modernize the military as Commander inChief of the Qatari Armed Forced. Sheikh Hamad hasalso developed strong international relations—Qatarhosted, and is now chair of the Arab Summit.Country: QatarDate of Birth: 1952Source of Influence: Political,Administrative, Lineage,PhilanthropyInfluence: Political leader ofover 830,000 residents of QatarSchool of Thought: ModerateSalafiRank: 2010:21Royal LineageThe Al Thani family has ruled Qatar since the mid 1800s. The house of Al Thani is traced backto the tribe of Bani Tamim dating from pre-Islamic Arabia. The mother of Prophet Muhammadis a descendent of this tribe.Economic CatalystQatar is the top exporter of liquefied natural gas, and the site of the third largest natural gasreserves in the world. Expansion of the country’s natural gas reserves was announced in 2010.During Sheikh Hamad’s rein, the country has developed one of the fastest growing economiesin the Middle East. Sheikh Hamad has also invested billions toward infrastructure, realestate and educational initiatives for Qatar.This year, Qatar submitted a bid to host the 2022 World Cup as part of a $4bn plan to buildand renovate twelve stadiums which includes the installation of solar-powered cooling systems.If granted this opportunity, Sheikh Hamad will oversee substantial infrastructural investmentin the country.HumanitarianSheikh Hamad has been recognized in Forbes Magazine’s list of the wealthiest royals in theworld with a net worth of $2 billion. In February 2010 Qatar successfully sponsored a peacedeal between the rebel Justice and Equality Movement and the Sudanese government—pledging $1 billion to reconstruction efforts in Darfur which involved establishing a developmentbank in Sudan.Patron of the ArtsSheikh Hamad is noted for his love of the arts. In 2008, he inaugurated the Museum of IslamicArt in Doha, boasting exclusive collections of Islamic artifacts from across the globecollected over a period of 20 years. Acclaimed architect I.M. Pei was commissioned to designthe award-winning landmark structure on an island off Doha Bay.68