The Amiri Diwan announced on Sunday morning that the Father Amir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has passed away at the age of 74.

In an official statement, the Amiri Diwan expressed deep sorrow, adding: “May Allah have mercy on his soul and grant him the best reward for what he achieved for his homeland and nation.” Official mourning periods and funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in due course.

Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 until his abdication in 2013, is widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar. During his 18-year reign, he transformed the Gulf state from a quiet peninsula into a global economic powerhouse and a pivotal diplomatic player on the world stage.

His visionary leadership capitalised on the country’s vast liquefied natural gas (LNG) reserves, driving unprecedented economic growth and funding massive infrastructure projects that modernised the capital, Doha. Under his guidance, Qatar established the international news network Al Jazeera, won the rights to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and positioned itself as an essential mediator in regional conflicts.

In a rare move for a Gulf monarch, Sheikh Hamad voluntarily abdicated the throne in June 2013, smoothly transferring power to his son, the current Amir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Following his abdication, he was affectionately referred to as the “Father Amir,” remaining a deeply revered figure of national unity and progress.