Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died
The Qatari government officially announced on Sunday the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani at the age of 74.
Funeral prayers were held at the Imam Muhammad bin Abdulwahhab Mosque in Doha, and burial took place in the city of Lusail. The ceremony was attended by Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, members of the royal family, senior officials and hundreds of people from Qatari society.
The Qatari government declared a four-day national mourning period, with the flag lowered to half-mast to express the grief of the people and the government.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani took power in Qatar in 1995 and led the country for 18 years. In 2013, he voluntarily handed over power to his son, the current Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in what was one of the smoothest leadership transitions in the Gulf region.
During his time in office, Qatar underwent major transformation in the areas of economy, energy, education, health, infrastructure and foreign policy. These developments elevated Qatar's standing in the region and its influence on the international stage.
The death of the former emir was deeply felt in Qatar and in many countries around the world, with leaders and international organizations sending messages of condolence honoring his historic role in Qatar's modern development.
