Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Dies at 74

Former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has died at the age of 74, bringing to a close the life of the leader widely credited with transforming the Gulf nation into one of the world's wealthiest and most influential states.

The Qatari government announced his death on Sunday in a statement issued by the Bureau of the Emir.

"The Bureau of the Emir mourns the great loss to the nation of the late, may God have mercy on him," the statement said.

Funeral prayers were scheduled for Sunday evening, with Qatar declaring several days of national mourning. Flags will fly at half-mast, while government offices and public institutions will remain closed as a mark of respect.

Sheikh Hamad came to power in June 1995 after peacefully deposing his father, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, in a bloodless palace coup while the elder ruler was abroad.

At the time, Qatar's economy was heavily dependent on declining oil revenues. During his 18-year reign, Sheikh Hamad spearheaded the development of the country's vast natural gas reserves, transforming Qatar into one of the world's leading exporters of liquefied natural gas and dramatically increasing national wealth.

His administration also expanded Qatar's international influence through strategic foreign investments and diplomacy.

In 1996, Qatar launched Al Jazeera, the television network that would become one of the world's most influential international news organisations.

Under his leadership, the Qatar Investment Authority acquired major global assets, including London's Harrods department store and French football club Paris Saint-Germain, helping establish Qatar as a major global investor.

One of the defining moments of Sheikh Hamad's reign came in 2010 when FIFA awarded Qatar the hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The successful bid elevated Qatar's global profile but also attracted intense international scrutiny over allegations surrounding the bidding process, treatment of migrant workers involved in construction projects and the country's human rights record. FIFA later cleared Qatar of corruption allegations related to its successful World Cup bid.

In 2013, Sheikh Hamad voluntarily abdicated in favour of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in one of the region's rare peaceful transfers of power.

Tributes poured in from world leaders following news of his death.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla described Sheikh Hamad as a leader who dedicated "many years of distinguished service to Qatar," praising his vision and commitment to the welfare of the Qatari people.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute, describing him as "a visionary leader who led Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity," while recalling their meeting during his visit to Qatar in February 2024.

India declared a day of national mourning in his honour, with entertainment events suspended during the period.

Sheikh Hamad leaves behind a legacy that fundamentally reshaped Qatar's economy, foreign policy and international standing, turning the once modest Gulf state into a significant player in global energy markets, finance and diplomacy.