Qatar has announced the death of the former head of the country, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. He died on the morning of July 12 at the age of 74, reports the Diwan of the Emir of Qatar.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani headed Qatar from 1995 to 2013. During his rule, the country significantly strengthened its international influence, developed the energy sector and became one of the key players in the Persian Gulf region.
In 2013, he voluntarily transferred power to his fourth son, the current emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
