Qatar’s Amiri Diwan announced the passing of the “Father Emir” Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, declaring four days of national mourning to honor the architect of modern Qatar.

The former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has died at the age of 74, the country’s Amiri Diwan announced on Sunday morning.

“With hearts steadfast in faith in God’s decree and destiny, the Amiri Diwan mourns the great loss to the nation of the late His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,” the emir’s office said in an official statement.

In response to his passing, Qatar has declared four days of national mourning starting Sunday, during which flags will fly at half-mast. Funeral prayers are scheduled to take place after the Maghrib (evening) prayer at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque in Doha, followed by his burial at the Lusail Cemetery.