Qatar's former leader Hamad bin Khalifa dies at 74

Qatar's government on Sunday announced the death of former leader Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who led the country from 1995 to 2013. He was 74, according to a government website.

"With hearts steadfast in faith in God's decree and destiny, the Bureau of the Emir 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," read a statement published by the emir's office on social media.

Qatari officials said funeral prayers would be held on Sunday evening along with several days of public mourning across the country, which would see government offices and public institutions closed and flags flown at half mast.

The former leader was seen as one of the key architects of modern Qatar and led the country during a period of rapid economic growth.

Lebanon pays tribute to former Qatari emir

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun paid a lengthy written tribute to the late emir, saying Qatar provided significant aid to Lebanon during Sheikh Hamad's reign and helped the country navigate successive crises.

The emir's passing constitutes "a great loss for brotherly Qatar, for Lebanon and for the Arab world," Aoun said in a statement. Beirut remembers "with gratitude" the emir's support for Lebanon, "particularly during the Israeli aggression of July 2006, when Qatar, under his leadership, stood by Lebanon during one of the darkest periods in its history, helping to alleviate the suffering of its people." Doha also made a substantial contribution to postwar reconstruction.

Aoun also recalled the Qatari diplomatic initiative that "marked the national reconciliation process, particularly its sponsorship of the 2008 Doha Agreement, which brought an end to a critical period in Lebanon's contemporary history, revived the functioning of constitutional institutions and restored security in the country."

That year, a major political crisis escalated into armed clashes after the government attempted to dismantle Hezbollah's telecommunications network.

Aoun offered his condolences to the current emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, son of the late ruler, praising him for "continuing his father's work for Lebanon."

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also expressed his "deep sadness" at the passing of a leader who "will forever remain in the memory of all Lebanese for the political and humanitarian support he provided to Lebanon during its most difficult times, as well as for his efforts in the service of the country's stability."

Parliament Speaker and Amal Movement leader Nabih Berri also extended his condolences to Qatar.

"You have lost a father figure and are bidding him farewell, a beloved figure who dedicated his life to serving the State of Qatar, its progress, its stability and the well-being of its people," Berri said in a statement.

"With his passing, Lebanon and the Lebanese people are among the first to shed tears of sorrow."

"We will forever cherish his memory as a friend who healed our wounds, a helping hand that brought people together and offered support, and a man of unwavering words, actions and stances in support of Lebanon and the Lebanese people, their peace, stability, unity and renewal, at a time when finding support was difficult," he added.

Religious and economic circles

Grand Mufti Abdellatif Derian was the first senior Lebanese religious official to pay tribute on behalf of Dar al-Fatwa.

"His passing is a loss for the Arab and Islamic world. He contributed to supporting and assisting Arab and Islamic countries, particularly Lebanon, in achieving security, peace and stability. He worked for their unity and solidarity and championed their just causes with sincerity and loyalty," he said, according to the National News Agency.

Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati praised the late leader's "numerous commendable actions" during "all the trials Lebanon has faced."

Former President Michel Sleiman hailed Emir Hamad's role in the Qatari mediation that led to the 2008 Doha Agreement, ending a major political crisis in Lebanon and paving the way for his election as president.

Kataeb leader Samy Gemayel described him as "a high-ranking official who left a major mark on his country's development and who stood by Lebanon during difficult times."

"The deceased left a political and human legacy that extends to Lebanon, where his name is associated with pivotal moments that remain vivid in the memory of the Lebanese people. He made numerous commendable gestures during all the trials we have faced. May God protect you, grant you a long life, and preserve brotherly Qatar, its emir and its people."

The Free Patriotic Movement expressed "deep gratitude" for the late emir's support for Lebanon, particularly after the July 2006 war and his contribution to reconstruction, as well as the dialogue he maintained with former President Michel Aoun, the party's founder.

The announcement of the former emir's death also prompted reactions from the business community. Mohammad Choucair, head of the Lebanese Economic Organizations and a former minister, said Lebanon had "lost a great brother."

Sheikh Hamad took power in June 1995, overthrowing his father in a bloodless coup while the latter was abroad.

He inherited a small, largely marginal emirate with nearly empty coffers and transformed it into a major player on the regional and international stage.

Within a few years, he laid the foundations for Qatar's rapid development. Although the country is only about one-third the size of Belgium, it possesses one of the world's largest natural gas reserves.

Thanks to investments and international partnerships, the emirate became a leading producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas.

It also rose to become one of the wealthiest countries on the planet in terms of GDP per capita. Qatar's population under Sheikh Hamad's rule numbered barely two million, the majority of them foreign nationals.

During his time in office, Al Jazeera was launched in 1996, following a decree issued by the emir, with the international broadcaster becoming one of the most influential media outlets in the region.

The Qatar Investment Authority was established with the aim of investing billions of dollars, particularly abroad, in companies including German automaker Volkswagen, London's luxury department store Harrods, and French football club Paris Saint-Germain.

Sheikh Hamad was still emir when Qatar was awarded the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup in 2010, amid allegations of corruption and, later, criticism over the treatment of foreign workers.

Also under his reign, Qatar began paying hundreds of millions of dollars to the Gaza Strip, notably funding road projects along the coast. A hospital in Gaza City bears his name.

In June 2013, Sheikh Hamad surprised many by voluntarily abdicating in favour of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, a first in the recent history of the Arab world.

Qatar is one of the smallest Arab states with a population of around 3 million, most of whom are foreign workers.

The country was a British protectorate for 55 years until 1971.

It has been ruled by a monarchy, the Al Thani family, since the mid-19th century.