Qatar's former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani dies at 74

Highlights:

• Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Qatar's former Emir, has died at the age of 74, the Amiri Diwan announced on Sunday.
• He ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, before voluntarily handing power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
• His tenure saw the launch of Al Jazeera, Qatar's first permanent constitution, and the country's successful bid to host the 2022 World Cup.
• World leaders, including Egypt's President and the UAE's President, have offered condolences.

Qatar's former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, has died at the age of 74, the Amiri Diwan, the Emir's office, said in a statement on Sunday. The cause of death was not disclosed.

The Amiri Diwan said the country mourned the loss of the man it referred to as the Father Amir, adding a prayer for God's mercy upon him.

Sheikh Hamad transformative 18-year rule

Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, a period that saw the small Gulf state develop into a significant regional and global player in energy, media, investment and diplomacy.

His tenure included the 1996 launch of the broadcaster Al Jazeera, the introduction of Qatar's first permanent constitution in 2004, and the start of municipal elections in which women were permitted to vote and stand as candidates.

Qatar also positioned itself as a regional mediator during his rule, involved in efforts around the conflict in Sudan's Darfur region, factional disputes in Lebanon, and talks between the Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah, according to India TV News. In 2012, Sheikh Hamad became the first head of state to visit Gaza since Hamas took control of the territory five years earlier.

Qatar's expanding international role also drew criticism from some regional and Western allies, particularly over its ties with Iran, Hamas and Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, India TV News reported.

A rare abdication

In 2013, Sheikh Hamad handed power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who was 33 at the time. The move was a rare voluntary abdication by a hereditary ruler in the Gulf.

Condolences from regional leaders

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan offered condolences to Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, on the death of his father, according to a statement shared on X.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi also extended condolences to Qatar's Emir, government and people on the passing of Sheikh Hamad, according to a post on X.