Qatari former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at the age of 74, the nation's Emiri Diwan said on Sunday. "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 Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani," read a statement published by the Emir's Diwan on social media. Sheikh Hamad, who stepped down in June 2013 after 18 years as emir, was the architect of Qatar’s ambitions. “The future lies ahead of you, the children of this homeland, as you usher into a new era where young leadership hoists the banner,” Sheikh Hamad said as he announced his abdication and the transition to his son, Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
