Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who transformed the Gulf nation into a major global player in diplomacy, media and investment, has died at the age of 74. Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar for 18 years before voluntarily handing over power to his son in 2013, breaking with regional tradition.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the demise of the former Emir. In a social media post, PM Modi said that Sheikh Hamad binKhalifa Al Thani was a visionary leader who led Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity.













