BREAKING: Qatar’s Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Dies at 74

DOHA, July 12, Saudi Arabia Breaking News — Qatar’s former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who transformed the country into a major economic and diplomatic power, died on Sunday at the age of 74, the Amiri Diwan announced.

“The Amiri Diwan announced the death of HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani on Sunday morning. May Allah have mercy on his soul and grant him the best reward for what he achieved for his homeland and nation,” the country’s highest government body said.

Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013, when he abdicated in favor of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the country’s current emir.

During his reign, Qatar significantly expanded its international influence through the development of its liquefied natural gas industry, the establishment of the Al Jazeera television network and its successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The US-allied Gulf state has a population of more than 2.5 million and is the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas. It has also developed into a major global investor and an influential participant in Middle East diplomacy and international media.

Sheikh Hamad transferred power to the then-crown prince in June 2013, a rare voluntary abdication by a hereditary Gulf Arab ruler intended to secure a smooth succession.

He had assumed power from his father in a bloodless coup in 1995.