Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa: A Journey Full of Giving
With the passing of the founding Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Arab memory recalls the achievements of a man who turned dreams into reality, elevating his country’s standing in the global economic, political, and social rankings and making it a model of progress and notable accomplishments across all fields—developmental, political, and economic. Thus, Qatar, despite its small size, became a major state in terms of achievements, both regionally and internationally, and a model of influence that transcends borders.
Sheikh Hamad possessed an indomitable will, free from despair or complacency. A graduate of a school of leaders who do not shy away from climbing mountains, he spent his entire life at the summit. The biography of the late founding Emir is marked by major achievements on various fronts. He revitalized Qatar’s political life and economic sectors, raising the country to the ranks of the world’s largest gas exporters. He also expanded Qatar’s active political participation in global issues and events, transforming it into a key actor in resolving many conflicts and a gateway to peace, international dialogue, and regional engagement.
Sportingly, Qatar’s organization of the 2022 FIFA World Cup will never be erased from history. Qatar won the hosting rights in 2010, during the reign of the late Emir, and Doha hosted the participating nations from around the world in this premier sporting event, becoming the first Arab and Islamic country to host the global tournament. Additionally, the late Emir’s legacy includes the adoption of a permanent constitution for the state.
In foreign policy, the late Emir made broad contributions. Under his leadership, Qatar hosted a series of reconciliations among various factions, including Lebanese, Palestinian, and Sudanese parties. He worked to resolve other conflicts and bridge divergent viewpoints. Never forgotten is the late Emir’s steadfast belief in and defense of Arab and Islamic causes, which he championed despite all the difficulties facing the Arab cause on global stages and forums.
Although the late Emir’s physical presence has departed, his achievements, his career rich in giving, and his firm positions in defense of the causes of the Arab and Islamic nations, alongside the issues of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, will remain present. Al-Qabas, sharing in the grief, extends its sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to His Highness the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and to the brotherly Qatari people, praying to God Almighty to envelop the founding Emir in His vast mercy and to grant him a place in the wide expanses of Paradise.
