By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter

Qatar’s former Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Mohamed AJ al-Thani has launched his latest book, Jassim the Leader: Founder of Qatar, the story of a hero who made significant contributions in achieving the country’s independence.
The book release was graced by HE the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr Hamad bin Abdul Aziz al-Kuwari, who described Jassim bin Muhammad bin Thani as “a role model to our modern age”.
In his speech, HE Dr al-Kuwari praised the author for his dedication and efforts in publishing what he described as “a remarkable book based on facts”.
He said the story of Jassim is about sacrifice, hardships and the courage of a true leader – a person and an important subject entitled to be talked about by the public. “It is about his hardships and perseverance in building this country,” stressed HE Dr al-Kuwari.
Jassim the Leader: Founder of Qatar is Sheikh Mohamed’s second book after The Arab Spring and The Gulf States: Time to Embrace Change – an in-depth study of the region’s demography, security and provision of food and water.
The book also talks about the Gulf region in the 1830s where its inhabitants depended heavily on pearling to earn a living. It describes the place as a barren land “without security and borders”. There were no skyscrapers, schools, hospitals, concrete roads, electricity or airconditioning.
Besides being courageous and persistent, Sheikh Mohamed noted that Jassim had a genuine affection for the Arab people. He went to villages and performed various charity works in different places.
“He was instrumental to our independence and it is my pleasure to share his great story with the wider public,” said the author, who dedicated the book to his father who told him the story when he was a little kid.
His advice to the youth is “read Qatar’s history and preserve its culture, language and religion”. He believes that the young generation can shape their future.
The author announced that the book would be translated into Arabic within six months. He has been invited by many schools in Qatar to speak about the story of Jassim.
Widely known as “The Leader”, Jassim joined forces with the Ottomans to avoid any confrontation with the British. He then became the first leader of a newly-rebuilt Doha. He died in July 1913 and his son reigned up to 1949.
Asked about his next book, Sheikh Mohamed said: “It will be something controversial.” He also said a 15-minute film has been created on Jassim, the man who worked hard to bridge the gap among Qatari tribes, which paved the way for Qatar’s independence.