Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former emir widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar, died on Sunday morning at the age of 74, the Amiri Diwan announced. He had been receiving medical treatment for a prolonged illness.
Hamad ruled the Gulf state for 18 years after seizing power from his father in a bloodless 1995 coup and voluntarily handed power to his son, the current Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in 2013. During his reign, Qatar shipped its first liquefied natural gas cargo, founded Al Jazeera in 1996, held its first municipal elections, and secured the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosting rights.
The Amiri Diwan declared four days of national mourning with flags flown at half-mast. Kuwait announced a parallel four-day mourning period, while the leaders of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates offered condolences. Funeral prayers are set for Sunday evening in Doha.