Former Qatari emir Sheikh Hamad dies at 74

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former emir who transformed Qatar from a small Gulf state into a major player in global diplomacy, energy and media, has died at the age of 74, the country's royal court announced on Sunday.

"With hearts steadfast in faith in God's decree and destiny, the Amiri Diwan mourns the great loss to the nation of the late - may God have mercy on him - His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away this morning," the Amiri Diwan said in a statement.

No cause of death has been announced.

Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013, when he surprised many by voluntarily abdicating in favour of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, a first in recent Arab history. 

During his 18 years in power, Qatar emerged as the world's leading exporter of liquefied natural gas and expanded its political influence far beyond its borders.

His tenure saw the launch of Al Jazeera in 1996, the adoption of Qatar's first permanent constitution in 2004 and the introduction of municipal elections in which women could vote and run for office.

Under Sheikh Hamad, Qatar also developed a reputation as a regional mediator, playing diplomatic roles in conflicts stretching from Lebanon and Sudan to Afghanistan and the Palestinian territories.

Also under his reign, Qatar began paying hundreds of millions of dollars to the Gaza Strip, notably funding road projects along the coast. A hospital in Gaza City bears his name.

His government invested heavily in international business, aviation, infrastructure and sport, laying the foundations for Qatar's hosting of the 2022 Fifa World Cup.

When announcing his decision to step down in 2013, Sheikh Hamad said the country was entering a new era.

"The future lies ahead of you, the children of this homeland, as you usher in a new era where young leadership hoists the banner," he said at the time.

The peaceful transfer of power was unusual in a region where leadership changes have often followed death or political upheaval.

Sheikh Hamad came to power in 1995 after deposing his father, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, in a bloodless palace coup.

'Visionary leadership'

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

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi expressed condolences to Qatar's leadership and people, while Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari praised Sheikh Hamad's "visionary leadership" and his contributions to Qatar's development and regional cooperation.

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also paid tribute.

"I extend my sincere condolences and sympathy to my brother Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad and his family on the passing of his father, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani," he wrote on X.

Sheikh Hamad remained a respected public figure in Qatar after leaving office and received a warm reception during the opening ceremony of the 2022 World Cup in Doha.

He is survived by Sheikh Tamim and his family, who now oversee a country whose influence across energy markets, diplomacy and international affairs was largely shaped during his father's rule.

Qatar is one of the smallest Arab states with a population of around 3 million, most of whom are foreign workers. 

The country was a British protectorate for 55 years until 1971 and has been ruled by the Al Thani family monarchy since the mid-19th century.