Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, has died at age 74, the Amiri Diwan announced, saying "With hearts full of faith in God’s decree and destiny, the Amiri Diwan mourns the passing of the nation’s great leader." The statement added, "May God have mercy on him, His Highness the Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away this morning." Sheikh Hamad voluntarily abdicated in June 2013 in favor of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He is credited with bringing huge economic, social, and cultural change to Qatar and establishing the country as a global player in diplomacy and investment. Born in Doha in 1952, Sheikh Hamad studied at the Royal Military College Sandhurst, served in the Qatar Armed Forces, became defence minister, and was named heir apparent in the late 1970s.
