Qatar's Amiri Diwan announced the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani at the age of 74.

“With hearts steadfast in faith in God's decree and destiny, the Amiri Diwan 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, who passed away this morning,” the Amiri Diwan said in a statement on Sunday.

Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, was a key architect of the energy-rich country's stunning ambitions.

During his reign, the country saw economic, social and cultural development that bolstered its status in the international community.

Source: www.aljazeera.com