Former Qatari emir dies aged 84

By Reuters - Oct 23,2016 - Last updated at Oct 23,2016

DOHA — Qatar's former emir, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Thani died on Sunday, aged 84, Qatar's state news agency QNA reported.

He ruled Qatar from 1972 until 1995 when he was deposed in a bloodless palace coup by his son Sheikh Hamad, the father of Qatar's current emir Sheikh Tamim.

Sheikh Hamad handed power in 2013 to Sheikh Tamim to try to ensure a smooth succession.

The Gulf Arab state, which has a population of 2.5 million people, is the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas and a global investment powerhouse.

Qatar will observe three days of mourning for Sheikh Khalifa, QNA said.

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