Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74

The announcement was made by the Emir's Diwan, marking the death of a significant figure in the contemporary history of the Gulf state. The Diwan, in a statement on social media, paid tribute to the man known in Qatar as "the Father Emir," invoking divine mercy and commending his service to the country. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani came to power in 1995.

Over nearly two decades, he oversaw a profound transformation of Qatar, driven by the exploitation of its substantial gas resources and an international investment strategy. Under his rule, Doha evolved from a small Gulf state into an influential regional and international player. Key developments included the launch of Al Jazeera in 1996, the expansion of Qatari diplomacy, and securing the hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, all of which boosted the emirate's global visibility.

In June 2013, Sheikh Hamad voluntarily transferred power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, a rare abdication among hereditary monarchies in the Gulf, intended to ensure a smooth political transition.