His Highness the late Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani leaves behind a legacy of remarkable achievements during which Qatar emerged as a leading regional model for development and progress across all sectors.
During his reign from 1995 to 2013, Qatar attained a prominent position both regionally and internationally, witnessing sweeping economic, social, and cultural transformation.
His Highness Sheikh Hamad was born in Doha in January 1952, where he was raised and educated.
He then joined the British Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. After his graduation in 1971, he joined the Qatar Armed Forces where he reached the rank of major-general.
He played a central role in developing and modernising the Qatari Armed Forces.
On May 31, 1977, he was appointed Heir Apparent and minister of defence.
On May 10, 1989, he became chairman of the Supreme Council for Planning, the body responsible for formulating the country’s social and economic policies.
He assumed power on June 27, 1995, and immediately embarked on an ambitious programme of development and reform.
During his reign, Qatar witnessed broad economic, cultural, and civilisational openness.
The country became a leading venue for political, economic, cultural, and scientific conferences and attained a distinguished regional and international standing.
Qatari diplomacy also assumed a pioneering role in resolving disputes and containing conflicts in various parts of the world.
On June 25, 2013, His Highness the late Father Amir handed over the reins of leadership to his Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar
One of the most notable achievements during the reign of His Highness the late Father Amir was the adoption of the country’s Permanent Constitution.
On July 13, 1999, His Highness Sheikh Hamad issued Amiri Decree No. (11) of 1999 on the formation of a committee for the drafting of the permanent constitution that would reflect the country’s progress and development.
His Highness the late Father Amir received the draft of the new constitution on July 2, 2002.
A public referendum on the Draft Permanent Constitution was held on April 29, 2003.
The large turnout at the ballot boxes clearly reflected the response of the Qatari people to the appeal of His Highness the late Father Amir, with 96.6% voting in favour of the draft.
On June 8, 2004, the Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar was promulgated, which stipulates that the people are the source of authority, provides for the separation of powers, and vests legislative authority in the Shura Council.
Foreign Policy Based on Peace and Security
His Highness the late Father Amir also laid the foundations of Qatar’s foreign policy based on the principle of consolidating international peace and security, promoting peaceful settlement of international disputes, mutual respect and common interests, peaceful coexistence and international co-operation, adherence to the values of justice and openness, and respect for human rights.
The foreign policy of Qatar during the era of His Highness the late Father Amir accomplished many feats, including establishing the Qatari Committee for the Rescue of Jerusalem in April 1996 to support the Palestinian cause and defend Islamic holy sites in Palestine, sponsoring talks between the Taliban in Afghanistan and the US in order to find a solution to the conflict in Afghanistan, and mediating the Lebanese reconciliation in 2008 with the Doha Agreemen.
Additionally, Qatar received the non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for two years in October 2005 and chaired the UNSC in October 2006, as well as held the presidency over the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2011-12.
The country also sponsored several international and regional conferences and establishing international forums to promote the principle of dialogue and understanding between nations and peoples, such as the US-Islamic World Forum, the Doha Forum on Democracy, Development and Free Trade, and the Doha Interfaith Conference which led to the establishment of the Doha International Centre for Interfaith Dialogue by Amiri Decree on June 1, 2010 with the aim of promoting peaceful co-existence among adherents of religions and activating religious values to address problems and issues of concern to humanity.
In March 2013, His Highness the late Father Amir chaired the 24th ordinary session of the Arab League Council at the Summit Level hosted by Qatar, where the National Coalition for Revolutionary Forces and the Syrian Opposition held Syria’s seat in the League of Arab States.
At the summit, His Highness Sheikh Hamad launched an initiative to establish a fund for the support of Jerusalem with a capital of $1bn to fund projects and programmes that preserve the Arab and Islamic identity of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and to strengthen the steadfastness of its people and to enable the Palestinian economy to develop its own capacity, to disassociate itself from the Israeli economy, and to counter the policy of isolation and siege.
Qatar contributed $250mn to the fund.
Qatar National Vision 2030
Another prominent achievement during the reign of His Highness the late Father Amir was the Qatar National Vision 2030, prepared under his guidance in 2007 and approved in 2008.
The National Vision prompted a more modernised way of thinking, opened new horizons, and defined the features of the society that the government and people of Qatar aspire to establish.
The success achieved by Qatar in developing its energy sector was the result of extensive national efforts, ambitious aspirations and bold decisions led with wisdom and determination by His Highness Sheikh Hamad.
These efforts required overcoming numerous challenges.
The 1980s witnessed a sharp decline in oil production due to the ageing of oil fields, with output falling from 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the 1970s to 300,000bpd in 1987.
However, the intensive efforts undertaken by the state since His Highness the late Father Amir assumed power raised production to 680,000bpd in 2000 and 760,000bpd in 2005.
The first shipment of LNG was exported in late 1996, ushering in a major economic breakthrough, which became evident in 2006 when Qatar became the world’s largest LNG exporter and in 2010, when its production capacity reached 77mn tonnes annually.
At a ceremony held in Ras Laffan Industrial City, His Highness Sheikh Hamad said: "Qatar is celebrating the achievement of one of its historic goals with a feat that will be forever etched in the history of the international gas industry as the day when Qatar officially became the world’s leading producer of liquefied natural gas.”
Currently, Qatar exports gas to markets in Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa.
In 1989, His Highness the late Father Amir decided to establish the Ras Laffan Industrial City as a centre for the gas industry in Qatar to export LNG.
At the time, he was faced with two choices: either establishing an industrial city in Mesaieed or in Ras Laffan.
He chose the latter for its proximity to gas fields, which allows it to be in line with Qatar’s goals of gas production.
Ras Laffan Port is now the largest facility of its kind in the world.
Mesaieed meanwhile became the second largest industrial city in Qatar, housing many industrial facilities.
The state has converted gas to liquids (GTL) for the sake of having an integrated system for gas production and exportation to benefit from the opportunities in the world markets; and to that end has set up the Oryx and Pearl projects.
Launched in 2006, the Pearl began its export activities in 2011 and boasts the world’s largest GTL plant.
The development of the energy sector included projects in oil and petrochemicals based on partnerships with international oil companies through oil production sharing agreements and through joint venture agreements with companies that specialise in petrochemicals.
The development of the northern fields gave additional impetus to the expansion of the petrochemical industry.
Additional quantities of methane increased the production capacity of ammonia and urea and enabled the state to move to downstream industries.
Additional quantities of ethane also contributed to the addition of new ethylene plants and the emergence of new industries such as the production of low- and high-density polyethylene, and many other products.
Communications and media
Among the most notable achievements during the tenure of His Highness the late Father Amir, was Qatar’s transformation in the field of communications and media, which had a profound impact locally, regionally and internationally.
Censorship of the local press was lifted in October 1995 and Law No. (25) of 1995 was issued on the protection of intellectual works and copyright.
In 1996, Al Jazeera News was established, ushering in a new era in the region.
In 2006, it expanded to become Al Jazeera Media Network with several channels under its umbrella.
On May 3, 1997, His Highness Sheikh Hamad established the Qatar General Authority for Radio and Television, which on March 18, 2009, became the Qatar Media Corporation, which governs all audiovisual media in the state.
On March 30, 1998, His Highness the late Father Amir abolished the Ministry of Information to make room for the freedom of the media and the press.
In 2004, the Supreme Council for Information and Communication Technology was established to organise the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, build a knowledge-based society and create a sophisticated technological infrastructure.
On October 6, 2010, His Highness Sheikh Hamad established the Qatar eGovernment Steering Committee to ensure the highest performance rates in governmental electronic transactions.
Focus on Education
In the education sector, human development was the central pillar of the strategy of His Highness the late Father Amir as affirmed by Qatar National Vision 2030.
Qatar has launched a wide educational renaissance characterised by an increase in the number of schools and universities, the development of curricula and teaching methods, the provision of modern educational means, and the openness to international experiences in education.
Specialised colleges and technical schools have emerged; Education City was inaugurated in 2003 and includes several educational, scientific, research and cultural institutions.
As per Decree Law No. 24 of 2008, 2.8% of government revenues in the state budget were allocated to support scientific research.
In 1995, Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development was established.
Now Qatar Foundation houses a number of leading international universities and research centres, among them is the Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) established in 2010.
Healthcare
Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Hamad, Qatar has paid great attention to developing the health sector and bolstering its performance.
The number of hospitals in the country increased from only four in 1998 to 13 in 2012: Al Khor Hospital (opened 2005), Al Amal Hospital (2006), the Heart Hospital (2011), Cuban Qatari Hospital (2012) and Al Wakra Hospital (2012).
Aspetar Hospital is considered the first hospital in the region specialised in orthopaedic and sports medicine.
It includes highly skilled international experts in the field of sports medicine and orthopaedics. It was chosen as FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence in 2008.
His Highness the late Father Amir’s tenure also witnessed numerous achievements in the health sector, including the implementation of the comprehensive health insurance system for citizens in 2011 and the development of Hamad Medical Corporation to provide the best health services.
Infrastructure Developments
Infrastructure projects also advanced significantly during His Highness the late Father Amir’s reign, with numerous projects implemented across various sectors.
These included opening the way for the construction of high-rise towers in the West Bay district to provide a business environment suited to the country’s diverse sectors, as well as the construction of Hamad International Airport, one of the largest airports in the region.
Construction began in 2005, and the airport commenced operations in April 2014.
On June 6, 2011, His Highness Sheikh Hamad established the Qatar Railways Steering Committee (Rail) which later on became Qatar Rail.
It is a mega project comprising three major projects: Doha Metro, Lusail Light Transit, and the Long Distance Rail for the transport of people and goods.
In 2007, His Highness the late Father Amir ordered the launch of the New Doha Port project and allocated QR27bn for its construction.
The project was inaugurated on February 26, 2015, and named Hamad Port.
In December 2011, the Qatar National Convention Centre, the largest of its kind in the Middle East, was inaugurated.
Another landmark project was Lusail City, whose construction began in December 2005.
Another flagship infrastructure project was Msheireb Downtown Doha, for which His Highness Sheikh Hamad laid the foundation stone in January 2010.
Inspired by Qatar’s architectural heritage, the real estate development aimed to revitalise Doha’s historic commercial district.
It is regarded as the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project, with a value of QR20bn and covering an area of 31 hectares in the heart of Doha.
Energy Sector Development
Economically, the development of the energy sector was the primary driver of growth during His Highness the late Father Amir’s reign.
The hydrocarbon sector’s contribution to gross domestic product increased from 37% to 54%, while its value added rose from about QR11bn to approximately QR403bn, representing annual growth of 22.2% at current prices.
Growth at constant 2004 prices reached 11.4%.
The scale of this contribution had a significant impact on other economic indicators.
GDP at current prices increased from about QR30bn to approximately QR735bn – 24.5 times its level at the beginning of the period – representing annual growth of 19.5% over the same period.
At constant prices, GDP grew to more than seven times its initial level, with annual growth of 11.7%.
Per capita GDP also rose from about QR60,000 to approximately QR370,000, an annual increase of 10.6%.
This substantial rise made Qatar’s per capita GDP one of the highest in the world, far exceeding comparable levels in developed countries.
History and Cultural Heritage
The cultural sector also featured prominently among Qatar’s development priorities during the reign of His Highness Sheikh Hamad.
Under his leadership, the country sponsored numerous cultural festivals and intellectual forums while establishing a broad network of cultural and heritage institutions dedicated to preserving, revitalising, and showcasing Qatar’s history and cultural heritage.
Among the most prominent cultural projects undertaken during his reign was Souq Waqif, one of Qatar’s leading heritage, tourism, and commercial landmarks.
Originally established as a traditional marketplace and gathering place for Qataris in the 1920s, the souq stands as a testament to the country’s pearling era.
It was carefully restored in a manner that harmoniously blends authentic architectural heritage with modern functionality, preserving its historic character while reinforcing its position as one of Qatar’s premier cultural destinations.
Another landmark achievement during his reign was the establishment of Qatar Museums in 2005 to oversee and develop the country’s museum sector.
This initiative paved the way for the opening of the Museum of Islamic Art in 2008, one of the region’s defining architectural landmarks.
It also spearheaded the redevelopment of the National Museum of Qatar, a landmark cultural project that celebrates Qatar’s heritage while connecting its past with its present.
Designed by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel, the museum draws inspiration from the desert rose and is built around the historic palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim al-Thani, grandfather of His Highness the late Father Amir, which served as the family’s residence and the seat of government for 25 years.
His reign also witnessed the establishment of several landmark cultural institutions, including Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, which opened in 2010, and Katara Cultural Village, established in 2005.
As one of the country’s largest cultural projects, Katara was created to advance Qatar’s cultural landscape, foster creativity, and provide a vibrant platform for artistic expression and intellectual dialogue.
Rapid Economic Expansion
The non-hydrocarbon economy also witnessed remarkable expansion during His Highness the late Father Amir’s reign.
Underpinned by robust hydrocarbon revenues, the sector’s contribution to GDP at current prices rose from approximately QR18.7bn at the beginning of his reign to nearly QR332bn by its conclusion, representing an average annual growth rate of 17.3% at current prices and 12% at constant prices.
Between 1995 and 2013, key non-hydrocarbon industries recorded sustained and broad-based growth.
Manufacturing expanded at an average annual rate of 9.4% at constant prices, while the construction sector emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments of the economy, posting annual growth of 17.8%.
The wholesale and retail trade, hotels, and restaurants sectors also delivered strong performance, with average annual growth reaching 18% at current prices and 13.1% at constant prices.
The transport and communications sector also maintained robust growth, recording an average annual growth rate of 17.6% at constant prices.
During the same period, final government consumption expenditure rose from approximately QR9bn to around QR99bn, representing an average annual increase of 14.3% at current prices.
Final household consumption expenditure likewise increased significantly, climbing from nearly QR8bn to approximately QR102bn, with an average annual growth rate of 15.2%.
The country’s rapid economic expansion was accompanied by significant growth in foreign trade and a substantial increase in its trade surplus.
Exports of goods and services rose from approximately QR13bn to around QR538.5bn, representing an average annual growth rate of 22.9%.
This increase was driven primarily by the expansion of LNG production, higher crude oil output, and rising global energy prices.
Imports of goods and services also increased markedly, climbing from approximately QR12.8bn to around QR214.6bn, with an average annual growth rate of 17%, reflecting higher imports of consumer goods and materials required for the country’s major development projects.
As a result, the merchandise trade surplus expanded from QR1.7bn to nearly QR387bn, recording an average annual growth rate of 35%.
Social Security and Labour
On the social front, Qatar witnessed major advances during the reign of His Highness Sheikh Hamad.
Among the most notable achievements was a 50% increase in social security benefits in 1996 for eligible groups, including widows, divorced women, families in need, persons with disabilities, orphans, individuals unable to work, senior citizens, families of prisoners, deserted wives, and families of missing persons.
As part of the vision to build a prosperous society, pension benefits were increased by 40% in 2006.
Civilian public-sector employees also received salary increases equivalent to 40% of their basic pay.
This commitment to enhancing citizens’ welfare continued in 2011, when the salaries of civilian government employees were increased by 60%, while military personnel received salary increases of 120%.
In 2007, His Highness Sheikh Hamad established the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, replacing the Ministry of Civil Service and Housing Affairs.
The ministry was tasked with formulating labour policies and workforce planning strategies, managing the labour market, developing an integrated labour market information system, resolving labour disputes in accordance with the law, contributing to national workforce localisation policies and employment programmes, providing social welfare services, administering social security benefits to eligible beneficiaries, and overseeing the distribution of social assistance.
Support for Youth and Sport
In 2010, the Social and Sport Contribution Fund (Daam) was established to support sports, cultural, social, and charitable initiatives by providing grants and financial assistance to government entities, institutions, associations, and organisations operating in these sectors.
During the reign of His Highness the late Father Amir, Qatar’s youth and sports sector witnessed remarkable development, particularly in sports infrastructure.
The country hosted a succession of major regional and international sporting events that set new benchmarks for organisational excellence and reinforced Qatar’s position as a leading sports destination in the region.
These included the World Table Tennis Championships in 2004, the World Weightlifting Championships in 2005, the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006, the IAAF World Indoor Championships Doha 2010, the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011, the 12th Pan Arab Games Doha 2011, and the 9th World Conference on Sport and the Environment, also held in 2011.
In 2008, Aspire Zone was established to provide a world-class sporting environment, enhance athletic performance, and develop talent across a wide range of sports disciplines to meet Qatar’s evolving needs and advance its sporting ambitions at both the regional and international levels.
Perhaps the most significant sporting achievement of his reign came in 2010, when Qatar won the bid to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, marking a historic milestone for both the nation and the wider Middle East.
Investment Sector
The investment sector also featured prominently among the State’s priorities during the reign of His Highness the late Father Amir.
In 2000, the Supreme Council for the Investment of State Reserves was established to oversee the management and investment of the State’s reserve funds.
This was followed on October 23, 2001, by the establishment of the Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investment, which was mandated to oversee matters related to the economy, energy, and investment, while formulating national policies in the economic, financial, commercial, and energy sectors.
On June 23, 2005, His Highness the late Father Amir established the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), operating under the Supreme Council, to manage and invest the State’s reserve funds and other assets entrusted to it by the Council.
On February 20, 2011, also established the Qatar Authority for the Development of SMEs to encourage the establishment of new enterprises, support the development of existing ones, and increase the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the country’s GDP.
The Authority was subsequently incorporated into Qatar Development Bank.
Visionary Leadership Laying the Foundations
The achievements realised during the reign of His Highness Sheikh Hamad laid the foundations for Qatar’s comprehensive development and transformed the country into a modern state with a diversified economy, advanced infrastructure, and growing regional and international influence.
His visionary leadership established the pillars upon which Qatar has continued to build its progress across the political, economic, social, cultural, educational, and sporting spheres. – QNA