The former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Thani has passed away at the age of 84.

A three-day mourning period was announced by Shaikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, during which Qatari flags will be flown at half-mast.

Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Thani is the grandfather of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim. He was the sixth Emir of Qatar and ruled from 1972 to 1995. Before ascending to the position of Emir, he worked as a commander of the security forces of Qatar. In 1960 he became the deputy ruler of the country. Within a short span of time he became the prime minister and the deputy ruler of the country.

It was him who was leading the country when Qatar declared independence from British. Sheikh Khalifa is credited for building the modern state of Qatar and developing the Qatar we see today.

During his reign as the Emir, he strengthened relations with the Muslim world including Maldives. He built a school in Laamu atoll of Maldives and also a mosque in Hulhumale’. He provided assistance to Maldives in many other ways and always had close relations with Maldives, which were continued by his predecessors till this day.