Credit: Hatem Moussa-Pool/Getty Images)

(CNN)—Qatar's Amiri Diwan announced on Sunday morning the death of former Emir of Qatar, known as the 'Father Emir', Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, at the age of 74.

This came in a statement from Qatar's Amiri Diwan that read: "O reassured soul, return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him], and enter among My servants and enter My Paradise" Allah Almighty has spoken the truth.. With hearts believing in Allah's decree and destiny, the Amiri Diwan mourns the great national departed, the late His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away this morning, Sunday, 27 Muharram 1448 AH corresponding to July 12, 2026, at the age of 74..

A brief profile of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, according to his biography published by the Amiri Diwan:

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was born in Doha in January 1952, where he grew up and studied. He then attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Britain, graduating in 1971. After returning to the country, he joined the armed forces and rose through the ranks to become a Major General, playing a key role in developing the Qatari armed forces in terms of equipment and capabilities.

On May 31, 1977, he was sworn in as Crown Prince and appointed Minister of Defense. On May 10, 1989, he became Chairman of the Supreme Planning Council, which was responsible for formulating the country's social and economic policies.

He assumed power on June 27, 1995, and embarked on setting development and reform plans and programs. His construction plan was comprehensive and profound, taking diverse dimensions and paths. The country witnessed a qualitative leap in development, and a general renaissance encompassing education, health, sports, culture, media, and infrastructure. Under his rule, the country saw a huge leap in the economy and energy sector. The North Field gas field achieved a production boom, with exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) beginning in 1996, rapidly increasing the country's income. In 2006, Qatar became the world's largest LNG exporter, and by 2010, its production capacity reached 77 million tons per year.

On June 25, 2013, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa announced the handover of power to his heir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (the current Emir of Qatar).