Qatar announces death of former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani at 74

Qatar's Amiri Diwan has announced the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former emir who ruled the country from 1995 to 2013. He died this morning at the age of 74, according to the statement. Sheikh Hamad was widely seen as a central figure in shaping modern Qatar.

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The emir's office said it mourned "the great loss to the nation" and described him as the Father Emir. It said he passed away on Sunday morning, without giving further details on the circumstances of his death. Sheikh Hamad stepped aside in 2013 and handed power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who was 33 at the time.

During his rule, Qatar underwent major economic, social and cultural changes, according to the statement. He oversaw significant economic investments and helped build international partnerships as the country expanded its role on the global stage. The announcement did not say when funeral arrangements would be held or provide any additional information about the immediate next steps.

Sheikh Hamad's death comes as Qatar remains one of the most influential states in the Gulf, with a major role in energy markets and regional diplomacy. The former emir's reign coincided with the country's rise as the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, a development that reshaped its economy and international profile. His abdication in 2013 was also notable as a rare transfer of power by a hereditary Gulf ruler.

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The announcement is likely to prompt official mourning and public attention across Qatar, although the statement released so far has focused only on the death itself. It remains unclear what formal ceremonies will follow and whether further details will be issued by the Amiri Diwan. For now, the main confirmed fact is that the former ruler has died at 74 after a period in which he helped define the country's modern trajectory.

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