Qatar's Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies aged 74

Qatar’s former leader, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has died at the age of 74, the Amiri Diwan announced. Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, was widely seen as one of the architects of modern Qatar and a key figure in the energy-rich country’s development. He took power in June 1995 after overthrowing his father in a bloodless coup. During his rule, Qatar became one of the world’s leading exporters of liquefied natural gas, expanded its global partnerships, launched Al Jazeera, and won the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In June 2013, Sheikh Hamad voluntarily abdicated in favour of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in a rare transition of power in the Gulf. Thousands of mourners gathered in Doha for funeral prayers before he was buried at Lusail Cemetery, as condolences poured in from leaders around the world.