Letter: Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani obituary

The Guardian published a letter on August 3, 2026 challenging the legacy of former Qatari emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who abdicated in 2013 in favor of his son Tamim. The letter criticizes several aspects of the former emir's record that are often omitted from hagiographic obituaries. First, the letter highlights the systematic exploitation of migrant workers that defined Qatar's economic model under Sheikh Hamad, particularly during the massive construction boom that preceded and accompanied the country's successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Kafala sponsorship system, which bound migrant workers to their employers and facilitated widespread abuse, was entrenched during his rule. Second, the letter references allegations of human trafficking connected to Qatar's labor recruitment practices, under which workers from South Asia and Africa were often deceived about wages and conditions and found themselves trapped in debt bondage. Third, the letter raises the plight of the Ghufran clan, members of the Al Murra tribe who were stripped of their Qatari citizenship by Sheikh Hamad's government in the mid-2000s, rendering them stateless — a collective punishment that drew condemnation from human rights organizations. Finally, the letter criticizes the severe restrictions on freedom of expression in Qatar, noting that criticism of the emir and the ruling family is effectively criminalized, making accountability for these abuses impossible from within the country. The letter serves as a corrective to the often-flattering coverage of Sheikh Hamad's legacy, insisting that his record on human rights, labor exploitation, and political repression be part of any honest assessment.