Qatar to observe three days of mourning after the former emir, who ruled for more than 20 years, passes away at 84.

Former Qatari Emir Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani passed away on Sunday aged 84, the Emiri Diwan announced.

He ruled Qatar from 1972 until 1995.

Qatar will observe three days of mourning, the Emiri Diwan said.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani was the grandfather of the current leader of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.