Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has passed away

The Amiri Diwan of Qatar has announced that the country's former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has passed away.

In an official statement, it was reported that Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the father of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, passed away this morning at the age of 74.

HE HANDED OVER POWER TO HIS SON IN 2013

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who took office as the Emir of Qatar in 1995, ruled the country for 18 years. Handing over his duties to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in 2013, Hamad stated at the time, "It is time for the new generation to take a role in power."