The Amiri Diwan shared the news of the former leader’s death in a brief statement released on the social media platform X. “May God grant him His mercy and forgiveness,” the statement read, marking the loss of one of the modern Gulf’s most influential figures, News.Az reports, citing Anadolu Agency.
Sheikh Hamad, often referred to as the “Father Emir,” ruled Qatar from 1995 until his abdication in 2013 in favor of his son, the current Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. His reign was defined by the massive economic transformation of Qatar into a global natural gas powerhouse and a major player in international diplomacy. Official mourning arrangements and further details are expected to be released by the state.
