Doha, July 12 (SANA)Qatar’s Amiri Diwanannounced on Sunday the death of formerEmir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,who died earlir in the day at the age of 74, and declared four days of public mourning across the country.

In a statement carried by the Qatar News Agency (QNA), the Amiri Diwan said Sheikh Hamad had made enduring contributions toQatar and the Arab and Islamic worlds.

The mourning period began on Sunday, July 12, 2026. Work at ministries, other government agencies, public authorities and institutions will be suspended from Monday, with employees due to return on Sunday, July 19.

Sheikh Hamad came to power in June 1995 and ruled Qatar for 18 years before voluntarily transferring power to his son, SheikhTamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in June 2013.