Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Dies at 74

Former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has died at the age of 74. The news of the Father Emir’s passing was announced by the country’s Diwan Amiri (Presidential/Royal Court).

“With hearts steadfast in faith in God’s decree and destiny, the Diwan Amiri mourns the great loss to the nation with the passing of the late, His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who departed this morning,” the Diwan Amiri stated.

Sheikh Hamad, who led Qatar from 1995 to 2013, was the chief architect behind the grand ambitions of the energy-rich state. During his rule, Qatar experienced rapid economic, social, and cultural development that strengthened its international standing.