Former Qatari ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at the age of 74.
The Amiri Diwan, Qatar's official administrative office, announced his death on Sunday morning, writing in a statement: "With hearts full of faith in God’s decree and destiny, the Amiri Diwan mourns the passing of the nation’s great leader."
"May God have mercy on him, His Highness the Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away this morning," it added.
Sheikh Hamad is the father of Qatar's current ruler, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and was the emir from 1995 to 2013.
He was known for having helped bring about huge economic, social, and cultural change in Qatar during his reign. Having established the nation as a global player in diplomacy and investment, he was a widely respected figure in the Gulf region.
Born in 1952 in Doha, Sheikh Hamad went on to study at the UK's Royal Military College, Sandhurst. He later joined the Qatar Armed Forces before becoming defence minister. He was named heir apparent in the late 1970s.
Qatar has since declared a period of national mourning that will last for four days from Sunday.
Work at ministries, government agencies, and public authorities and institutions are to be suspended starting from Monday, with employees set to resume work on Sunday, 19 July, per the Amiri Diwan.
Flags will also be flown at half-mast for the duration of the mourning period.
