In Mourning the Architect of Qatar's Renaissance
The passing of the late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the revered founding father of the renaissance of our sister state of Qatar, left a profound impact on the hearts of Qataris in particular and Gulf citizens in general. His unwavering loyalty and tireless efforts for the advancement of Qatar and its people were evident from the moment he assumed power, as he laid the foundations for a modern and ambitious renaissance, establishing sound scientific and developmental frameworks aimed at achieving progress and prosperity for Qatar and its people, and elevating the State of Qatar to a significant position on the regional and global map.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani assumed leadership of Qatar on June 27, 1995, and continued to guide the country for eighteen years until he handed over power to his son, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, on June 25, 2013. During this period, he spearheaded comprehensive development across various sectors. Among his most notable achievements were the issuance of the country’s permanent Constitution in 2004 to consolidate the rule of law and institutions, the launch of Qatar National Vision 2030, the transformation of Qatar into one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG), the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund among the largest global investment funds, and the formulation of an external policy that enhanced Qatar’s regional and international standing.
He also founded Education City, which attracted prestigious global universities, launched the Al Jazeera media network, which became a global media platform, and played a pivotal role in enabling Qatar to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a historic and unprecedented achievement for the Arab region. His name remains inextricably linked to the construction of modern Qatar and the consolidation of its standing among nations.
Your absence, O Abu Tamim, has left a great void, and your memory and achievements will remain etched in the hearts of the Qatari people and all who knew your journey. You were known for your humility, your closeness to your people, and your dedication to the elevation of your homeland.
May Allah grant the noble people of Qatar the greatest reward and comfort their grief, and may He grant solace to the ruling family and the brotherly Qatari people in the loss of this great son of the nation. We ask Allah, the Almighty, to envelop him in His boundless mercy and forgiveness, to grant him a spacious place in Paradise, and to inspire his family, relatives, and the Qatari people with patience and solace. (Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.)
