Qatar Correspondent:

The father of the former Emir of Qatar and current Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has passed away (Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiun).

The Emiri Diwan of Qatar announced in an official statement on Sunday (July 12) morning that he had passed away at the age of 74. The statement prayed for the forgiveness of his departed soul and called on the people of Qatar to exercise patience and restraint.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani served as the Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013. Under his leadership, Qatar achieved significant progress in the economy, infrastructure, education, diplomacy and energy sectors. In 2013, he voluntarily handed over power to his son, the current Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

His death has cast a shadow of deep mourning over Qatar, the Arab world, and the international community.