DOHA — Former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died on Sunday at the age of 74, the Amiri Diwan announced. “With hearts that believe in God’s will and decree, the Amiri Diwan mourns the passing of the nation’s esteemed leader, His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away this morning,” the Diwan said in a statement. Qatar declared four days of national mourning beginning Sunday.Funeral prayers will be held after the Maghrib prayer on Sunday at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque in Doha, followed by his burial at Lusail Cemetery. Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will receive condolences from heads of state, members of the ruling family, dignitaries and citizens at Lusail Palace from Monday through Wednesday. Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from June 27, 1995, until June 25, 2013, when he voluntarily transferred power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. During his 18-year reign, Qatar underwent sweeping political, economic and social reforms that reshaped the country’s global standing. According to official figures, Qatar’s gross domestic product increased more than 24-fold during his rule, while GDP per capita rose nearly sixfold. The hydrocarbon sector expanded dramatically, with its value growing from about $3 billion to more than $110 billion. His leadership coincided with the rapid development of Qatar’s liquefied natural gas industry. Following exports from the North Field in 1996, Qatar became the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas by 2006, reaching an annual production capacity of 77 million tonnes by 2010. Sheikh Hamad also oversaw the adoption of Qatar’s permanent constitution in 2004 and launched Qatar National Vision 2030, the country’s long-term strategy for sustainable development and economic diversification. Born in Doha in January 1952, Sheikh Hamad graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom in 1971 before returning to serve in Qatar’s armed forces, eventually rising to the rank of lieutenant general. He was appointed crown prince and defense minister in 1977 and later chaired the Supreme Planning Council, helping shape Qatar’s economic and social policies before assuming power. Under his leadership, Qatar introduced democratic reforms, including the country’s first municipal elections in 1999, in which women were allowed to vote and run for office for the first time. His investment strategy also helped secure Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, awarded in December 2010. Sheikh Hamad received numerous Arab and international honors during his lifetime in recognition of his contributions to diplomacy, development and international cooperation.DOHA — Former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died on Sunday at the age of 74, the Amiri Diwan announced. “With hearts that believe in God’s will and decree, the Amiri Diwan mourns the passing of the nation’s esteemed leader, His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away this morning,” the Diwan said in a statement. Qatar declared four days of national mourning beginning Sunday.Funeral prayers will be held after the Maghrib prayer on Sunday at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque in Doha, followed by his burial at Lusail Cemetery. Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will receive condolences from heads of state, members of the ruling family, dignitaries and citizens at Lusail Palace from Monday through Wednesday. Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from June 27, 1995, until June 25, 2013, when he voluntarily transferred power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. During his 18-year reign, Qatar underwent sweeping political, economic and social reforms that reshaped the country’s global standing. According to official figures, Qatar’s gross domestic product increased more than 24-fold during his rule, while GDP per capita rose nearly sixfold. The hydrocarbon sector expanded dramatically, with its value growing from about $3 billion to more than $110 billion. His leadership coincided with the rapid development of Qatar’s liquefied natural gas industry. Following exports from the North Field in 1996, Qatar became the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas by 2006, reaching an annual production capacity of 77 million tonnes by 2010. Sheikh Hamad also oversaw the adoption of Qatar’s permanent constitution in 2004 and launched Qatar National Vision 2030, the country’s long-term strategy for sustainable development and economic diversification. Born in Doha in January 1952, Sheikh Hamad graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom in 1971 before returning to serve in Qatar’s armed forces, eventually rising to the rank of lieutenant general. He was appointed crown prince and defense minister in 1977 and later chaired the Supreme Planning Council, helping shape Qatar’s economic and social policies before assuming power. Under his leadership, Qatar introduced democratic reforms, including the country’s first municipal elections in 1999, in which women were allowed to vote and run for office for the first time. His investment strategy also helped secure Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, awarded in December 2010. Sheikh Hamad received numerous Arab and international honors during his lifetime in recognition of his contributions to diplomacy, development and international cooperation.
