Leader known as Qatar's father emir was able to redefine his nation's position on the political map of the Middle East.

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…

His reign saw the launch of Al Jazeera and Qatar's emergence as a regional power

Sheikh Hamad, Qatar's transformative former ruler, dies at 74, leaving a complex legacy of modernization and regional influence.