Former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar who transformed the Gulf nation into a major regional and global power, has died at the age of 74.

The announcement was made on Sunday by Qatar's Amiri Diwan, the country's highest government body.

"The Amiri Diwan announced the death of HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani on Sunday morning. May Allah have mercy on his soul and grant him the best reward for what he achieved for his homeland and nation," the Diwan said in a statement.

Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013, when he abdicated in favour of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the country's current emir, in a rare voluntary transfer of power by a hereditary Gulf Arab ruler.

During his 18-year reign, Sheikh Hamad oversaw Qatar's rapid transformation from a small Gulf state with Bedouin roots into one of the world's wealthiest and most influential nations.

His leadership was marked by the expansion of Qatar's liquefied natural gas industry, which established the country as the world's largest exporter of LNG, as well as the creation and growth of the Al Jazeera television network, which significantly expanded Qatar's global influence.

Sheikh Hamad also played a pivotal role in securing Qatar's successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the first tournament to be staged in the Middle East.

Despite its population of just over 2.5 million people, Qatar emerged under his leadership as a major player in global investment, regional diplomacy and international media.

Sheikh Hamad came to power in 1995 after deposing his father in a bloodless coup. In June 2013, he voluntarily handed power to Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim in a move widely seen as an effort to ensure a smooth and stable succession.

Tributes are expected to pour in from leaders across the Middle East and beyond in recognition of Sheikh Hamad's role in reshaping Qatar's place on the global stage.