The former emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, ‌has died at the age of 74, the Amiri Diwan said 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. Qatar announced a four-day period of public mourning starting Monday, with work suspended at government agencies and public bodies and flags to be lowered to half-mast. ALSO READ: Emir of Qatar arrives in Rwanda as nations look to boost ties Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, was a key architect of the country’s development. During his reign, the nation saw economic, social and cultural development that bolstered its status in the international community. Sheikh Hamad oversaw major economic investment and fostered wide-ranging international partnerships as the country became the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas. Qatar’s political influence today stretches across many parts of the world including North Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
