Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies aged 74

Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies aged 74Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Sheikh Hamad during a two-day visit to Bulgaria as part of a European tour in 2009ByDan SalesPublished12 July 2026Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former leader of Qatar, has died aged 74, the country's government announced on Sunday."The Bureau of the Emir mourns the great loss to the nation of the late, may God have mercy on him," a statement read.Sheikh Hamad was one of the key masterminds behind modern Qatar and had taken power from his father in June 1995 in a bloodless coup.He is credited with transforming its economy into the wealthy global powerhouse it is today, thanks to its huge gas reserves. But his reign also had controversies - including Qatar's World Cup bid in 2010. Qatari emir hands power to son TamimPublished25 June 2013Funeral prayers will be held on Sunday evening before several days of public mourning across the country to mark his death.Flags will be flown at half mast, while government offices and public institutions will be shut as a mark of respect.King Charles and Queen Camilla paid tribute, saying Sheikh Hamad had "dedicated many years of distinguished service to Qatar"."His leadership, vision and commitment to the welfare of the Qatari people were widely admired, both within Qatar and around the world," they added.India declared a day of national mourning and said that all entertainment events would cancelled during the period.Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said: "A visionary leader who led Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity."We remember him also as a true friend whom I had the honour of meeting during my last visit to Qatar in February 2024."When Sheikh Hamad took power 31 years ago Qatar was struggling for money with its oil reserves dwindling.His coup - carried out while his father Sheikh Khalifa was abroad - changed the country forever.It became a l...