Indian community leaders, organisations and longtime residents have paid rich tributes to His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani for his great contributions and visionary leadership.
Some of them, who have lived in Qatar for more than 40 years, recalled the transformation of the country they witnessed over several decades under the rule of HH the late Father Amir.
Manikantan AP
President, Indian Cultural Centre
On behalf of the Indian community organisations, I offer our deepest condolences on the passing of HH Sheikh Hamad.
HH the late Father Amir was a visionary statesman whose extraordinary leadership transformed Qatar into one of the world’s most progressive, prosperous, and respected nations.
His Highness will always be remembered with profound gratitude by the Indian community in Qatar.
Through his vision of inclusiveness, tolerance, and opportunity, generations of Indians found Qatar to be a welcoming second home where they could live, work, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s remarkable development.
The trust, respect, and dignity extended to the Indian expatriate community under his leadership fostered a deep and lasting bond between the people of India and Qatar.
HH the late Father Amir also laid the foundation for the strong and vibrant strategic partnership between India and Qatar.
His commitment to strengthening bilateral co-operation elevated relations across energy, trade, investment, education, healthcare, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
His leadership encouraged closer collaboration between the two nations, creating a partnership built on mutual respect, shared prosperity, and enduring friendship that continues to flourish today.
Dr Mohan Thomas
Leading physician, Indian community leader and philanthropist
Behind Qatar’s proud rise on the world stage stands a name that can never be forgotten – HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.
For more than forty years, Qatar has been an important part of my life.
On the sands of this desert, I witnessed not only the growth of a nation, but also the fulfilment of a visionary leader’s dream.
I was privileged to accompany HH the Father Amir as part of the business delegation during his visits to India in 2005 and 2012.
During the April 2005 visit, he also held a special meeting with then-Chief Minister of Kerala Oommen Chandy.
In the many warm and friendly conversations I had with him, his deep affection for Kerala was always evident.
For expatriates like us, Qatar was never merely a place of work.
It became a second home – a land that gave us hope, dreams, opportunities and a life of dignity.
Today, I offer my heartfelt tribute to the great leader who laid the foundation for that remarkable journey.
Time will pass, and rulers will change.
Yet some leaders live forever, not only in the pages of history, but also in the hearts and lives of millions.
An era may have come to an end, but the legacy of this great leader will never end.
Dr Abdul Samad
President, KMCC Qatar
With hearts heavy with grief, we join the State of Qatar, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the entire al-Thani family, and the people of Qatar in mourning the passing of HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.
HH the late Father Amir was a visionary leader whose rule transformed Qatar from a modest Gulf state into a nation of global stature – in diplomacy, media, education, and economic development.
His legacy of progress, generosity, and statesmanship will be remembered not only by the people of Qatar but by all who have called this country home, including the vast expatriate community he welcomed with warmth and opportunity.
MI Farid
Social activist and longtime resident
We offer our deepest sorrow on the passing of HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, who will be missed by this nation and the countless people all over the world who have been touched by the growth and generosity of Qatar.
Some people are born to lead and leave a legacy which is a testament of their achievements and HH the kate Father Emir will be remembered for this legacy.
His wise use of power and wealth for the growth of Qatar has left a lasting impression on the worldwide community.
It would take pages to record the numerous achievements but the development of Qatar and its presence felt in the world is in the legacy.
The hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022 is something which cannot be matched.
A tiny nation has carved a niche in world history thanks to the vision and foresight of this legendary leader who will not be forgotten!
PN Baburajan
Social worker and former president of ICC, ICBF
With profound sadness I offer deepest respects on the passing of HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.
Ever since I arrived in Qatar in 1986, I have witnessed the remarkable turnaround in the progress of the nation.
Now, every person living in Doha can testify that HH the late Father Amir’s name is forever engraved in golden letters on Qatar’s remarkable journey of development and progress.
We all witnessed firsthand the tremendous success of the 2006 Asian Games.
The opening ceremony was truly spectacular.
As one of the media persons, we were seated in the gallery adjacent to the VVIP section, where HH the Father Amir with his family witnessed the inaugural ceremony of the games with great satisfaction.
I also cherish the unforgettable memories of the excitement and celebrations surrounding the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
On one of the match days during the FIFA World Cup, we were fortunate to see HH the Father Amir seated in the VVIP gallery, enjoying the football with great enthusiasm.
It was HH the Father Amir’s vision and determination that secured the hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Today, I pay my heartfelt tributes to HH the late Father Amir a great leader who elevated Qatar’s growth and prestige to extraordinary heights and made it possible for people like us to live peacefully on the soil of Qatar.
It is a great loss and we will always remember his leadership and vision towards the development of Qatar.
Mashood VC
General Convenor, Pravasi Co-ordination Committee
Chief Adviser, Chaliyar Doha & Diaspora of Malappuram Qatar
The passing of HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani has created a great void.
His vision, humility and commitment transformed Qatar into one of the world’s most respected and progressive nations.
I have been privileged to witness this remarkable transformation.
One of my most memorable experiences was serving as a volunteer with the Media Wing during the 2006 Asian Games.
That opportunity allowed me to witness firsthand the meticulous planning, professionalism, and ambition that reflected HH the Father Amir’s vision.
He rarely sought the spotlight, yet every milestone bore the imprint of his foresight and leadership.
His Highness laid the foundations of modern Qatar through strategic investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, sports, culture, and economic diversification.
His vision also paved the way for Qatar to host the FIFA World Cup.
His commitment to education and human development is reflected in Qatar Foundation and Education City, which have positioned Qatar as global centres of learning, research, and innovation.
Equally transformative was the establishment of Al Jazeera Media Network, giving Qatar a respected voice in international journalism and reshaping the global Arab media landscape.
Sidheek Purayil
President, Incas Qatar
On behalf of INCAS Qatar, I express my profound sorrow and deepest condolences on the passing of His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the visionary leader who laid the foundation for the nation’s remarkable transformation and progress.
His Highness, major architect of modern Qatar, played a pivotal role in transforming the country into one of the world’s leading developed nations through his visionary leadership and exceptional statesmanship.
Qatar’s remarkable achievements under his leadership in the fields of education, healthcare, science and technology, infrastructure development, economic growth, sports, and international diplomacy will remain an enduring part of history.
John Gilbert
Longtime resident and social activist
HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani was a torchbearer for Qatar as he led the country from the forefront to realise many of the dreams for his beloved nation.
The passing of HH the Father Amir is a great loss for the nation and the international community as he was a stalwart among the global leaders.
As an expatriate who has lived in this beautiful country for over four decades, I have personally witnessed the tremendous progress Qatar has made under his leadership.
During his reign, Qatar became a major hub of education, sports, diplomacy, culture and many other fields.
His extraordinary contributions and lasting legacy will forever be remembered by Qatar and the international community.
Alongside Qatar’s extraordinary progress, his commitment created a safe, stable, and dignified environment for the hundreds of thousands of expatriates to live and work in the country.
His leadership also made a significant contribution to strengthening the enduring friendship and strategic partnership Qatar and India.
With deep sadness, I join the nation and its leadership in mourning the passing of His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.
Dr Clarence Joseph
Longtime Resident
When I arrived in Qatar in 1977, I could never have imagined that over the next five decades I would witness one of the most extraordinary transformations of any nation in the world.
As someone who has lived through those years in Qatar, I pay tribute to the visionary leader who shaped much of modern Qatar – HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.
Qatar’s modern infrastructure, world-class healthcare and education, a diversified economy, and international recognition did not happen by chance.
They were the result of bold vision, careful planning, and courageous leadership of HH the Father Amir.
When HH Sheikh Hamad assumed leadership in 1995, he envisioned a nation that would confidently take its place among the world’s leading countries while preserving its identity and traditions.
Under his leadership, Qatar became a global energy powerhouse, invested heavily in education and research, strengthened its diplomatic role, and earned worldwide respect.
As I reflect on nearly fifty years in Qatar, I know that HH the late Father Amir’s legacy is etched not only into Qatar’s skyline but also into the lives of millions whose opportunities and aspirations grew alongside this nation.
Joy Antony
President
SMCA Qatar
The visionary leadership of HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani transformed Qatar into one of the world’s most respected and influential nations.
Our organisation, established in Qatar in 1999, has had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable transformation of this nation under his leadership.
Through wisdom, foresight, and dedicated commitment to progress, His Highness laid the foundation for the modern Qatar that is admired around the world today.
His Highness believed that true progress was built on investment in people.
Under his leadership, Qatar became an internationally recognised country for excellence in education, healthcare, infrastructure, diplomacy, culture, and humanitarian initiatives.
His vision also laid the foundation for Qatar’s successful journey to hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022, an achievement that showcased the nation’s capability, hospitality, and global outlook.
On behalf of our organisation, we extend our deepest condolences to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the royal family, and the people of Qatar on the passing of HH the Father Amir, a visionary leader.
Dr Amanulla Vadakkangara
Social activist
I had the rare privilege of meeting His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani on more than one occasion at the Amiri Diwan.
My first meeting was during the historic announcement of Qatar’s Constitution.
It was a moment that reflected His Highness’s vision for a progressive, modern, and inclusive nation.
His Highness will always be remembered as a transformative leader whose foresight laid the foundation for Qatar’s remarkable journey to becoming a globally respected nation.
Beyond his extraordinary achievements, he was admired for his humility, warmth, and genuine concern for people.
He earned the love and respect not only of the people of Qatar but also of the countless expatriates who proudly called Qatar their second home.
His leadership touched millions of lives and created opportunities for generations to come.