
Qatar on Sunday announced three days of national mourning after the former Emir Khalifa bin Hamad Al-Thani, who was deposed in a palace coup, died aged 84.
The former ruler died on Sunday, according to an official statement from the royal palace.
He was the grandfather of the current Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
"His highness father Emir Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al-Thani passed away on the evening of Sunday October 23, 2016, at the age of 84 years," read the official statement.
"His highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has ordered public mourning across the country for three days."
No further details were given about the circumstances of his death.
Khalifa ruled Qatar from 1972 until 1995, when he was deposed by his son Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani in a bloodless coup while on holiday in Switzerland.
He was one of the first rulers of Qatar after it gained independence from Britain in 1971.
During his time as leader, he oversaw the beginnings of the transformation of modern-day Qatar into an energy-rich country.
He was also seen as a founding father of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the political and economic union incorporating six states in the region, including Qatar.
After being removed from power, the former emir lived in France.
He returned to Qatar in 2004.
Source: AFP
GMT 18:32 2018 Thursday ,11 January
Nearly 100,000 displaced by fighting in northwest SyriaGMT 18:54 2018 Monday ,08 January
Tunisian police disperse protests against price hikes, unemploymentGMT 18:38 2018 Sunday ,07 January
Imam inaugurates move back to the Prophet’s MihrabGMT 19:14 2018 Saturday ,06 January
Iran: opposition protests and pro-regime ralliesGMT 19:58 2018 Wednesday ,03 January
Polisario Threats MINURSO to Enter Restricted Zone of GuergueratGMT 18:19 2018 Monday ,01 January
Syria’s Assad names new defense and other ministersGMT 18:14 2018 Monday ,01 January
Abbas condemns Israeli ruling party vote for West Bank annexationGMT 00:20 2017 Saturday ,30 December
Makkah forum to boost innovation, leadership
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor