Qatar's former Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani dies aged 74

⁠Qatar's former Emir ⁠Sheikh Hamad bin ⁠Khalifa Al Thani ‌has died at the age of ⁠74, the country's Amiri ⁠Diwan said.

“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 on Sunday.

Following a military career and senior government appointments, Sheikh Hamad assumed leadership of Qatar in 1995.

Under his leadership, Qatar saw rapid economic growth driven by the expansion of its energy sector. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports began in 1996, positioning Qatar as a major global exporter.

In 1996, he launched Al Jazeera Media Network and founded Qatar Foundation, an education and research organisation that helped expand Qatar's influence in media, education, and innovation.

In 2004, Qatar adopted its first permanent constitution and launched Qatar National Vision 2030 to guide the country's long-term development and modernisation. The country further expanded its global profile, and in 2010 it secured hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

In 2013, Sheikh Hamad transferred power to his son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

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