Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, architect of modern Qatar, dies at 74

Doha: The Qatari government on Sunday announced the passing of its former ruler, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who governed the Gulf nation from 1995 to 2013.

"With hearts steadfast in faith in God's decree and destiny, the Bureau of the Emir mourns the great loss to the nation of the late -- may God have mercy on him -- His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani," read a statement published by the emir's office on social media.

The former leader was widely regarded as a principal architect of contemporary Qatar, guiding the country through an era of rapid economic expansion.

Sheikh Hamad assumed power in June 1995, deposing his father in a bloodless coup whilst the latter was travelling overseas.

He inherited a small, largely insignificant emirate with nearly depleted public funds and reshaped it into a major force on both the regional and international stages.

During his administration, the global broadcasting network Al Jazeera was launched in 1996, following an official decree issued by the emir.

In June 2013, Sheikh Hamad astonished observers by willingly abdicating in favour of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, marking an unprecedented move in the modern history of the Arab world.

Qatar ranks among the smallest Arab nations, with a population of approximately 3 million people, the majority of whom are foreign labourers.

The state functioned as a British protectorate for 55 years until gaining independence in 1971. It has been governed by a hereditary monarchy under the Al Thani dynasty since the middle of the 19th century.

AFP