Former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies aged 74

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former leader of Qatar, has died aged 74, the country’s government has announced.

“The Bureau of the Emir mourns the great loss to the nation of the late, may God have mercy on him,” a statement read.

Sheikh Hamad was one of the key masterminds behind modern Qatar and had taken power from his father in June 1995 in a bloodless coup.

He is credited with transforming its economy into the wealthy global powerhouse it is today, thanks to its huge gas reserves.

But his reign also had controversies – including Qatar’s World Cup bid in 2010.

Funeral prayers will be held on Sunday evening before several days of public mourning across the country to mark his death.

Flags will be flown at half mast, while government offices and public institutions will be shut as a mark of respect.