Qatar Says Former Emir Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani Dies at 74

According to Lianhe Zaobao citing AFP, the Qatari government said on July 12 that former Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at age 74. The emir’s office said in a social media statement that it was mourning his death. Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 and was seen as a key architect of modern Qatar during a period of rapid economic growth; under a decree he issued, broadcaster Al Jazeera officially launched in 1996.