Sheikh Hamad transformed Qatar into a global diplomatic, media and investment power before voluntarily handing power to his son in 2013

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at age 74. The state-run Qatar News Agency reported his death without offering a cause.

Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, was a key architect of the energy-rich Gulf country's development.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former emir of Qatar who transformed the Gulf nation into a global hub for diplomacy, media and investment, has died at 74, state media…

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani oversaw economic boom during his rule

It was also during his tenure, in 1996, that Al Jazeera, a Qatar-funded global news organisation, was established.