Qatar's former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who took power in a 1995 palace coup, dies at 74

Qatar's former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died Sunday morning at age 74. The Amiri Diwan, the country's official administrative office, released a statement the same morning that mourned the passing of the nation's great leader and asked that God have mercy on him. Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until he abdicated in 2013.

He joined the Qatar Armed Forces, served as defence minister and was named heir apparent in the late 1970s. In 1995 he took power in a bloodless palace coup that deposed his father Sheikh Khalifa. During his 18-year reign Qatar acquired London's Harrods department store, launched the Al Jazeera satellite news network, expanded Qatar Airways and built the $15 billion Doha international airport that bears his name.

He mediated conflicts in Darfur, Lebanon and between Palestinian factions. In October 2012 he became the first head of state to visit the Gaza Strip since Hamas took control and pledged $400 million in projects. In June 2013 Sheikh Hamad voluntarily abdicated and handed power to his son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

He continued to appear at national events, including receiving applause at the 2022 FIFA World Cup opening match in Doha. No cause of death was given in the official announcement.