Father Amir built modern Qatar and inspired the Arab world: Gulf Times Editor-in-Chief Faisal al-Mudahka
The Alaraby TV’s special coverage explored the enduring legacy of His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani through the testimonies of leading scholars and media figures. Gulf Times Editor-in-Chief Faisal al-Mudahka led Al Araby TV’s extensive coverage following the passing of HH the Father Amir, offering a sweeping assessment of the visionary leadership that transformed Qatar into a modern state while leaving an enduring mark on the Arab world. Reflecting on HH the late Father Amir’s legacy, al-Mudahka described his life as “an inspiring and honourable journey”, saying that HH Sheikh Hamad was “an Amir for all Arab peoples” whose vision extended far beyond Qatar’s borders. He said that HH the late Father Amir consistently engaged with the Arab world’s most pressing challenges, from development initiatives in Mauritania to the civil wars in Afghanistan and Syria, while remaining steadfast in his support for the Palestinian cause. Al-Mudahka recalled that HH Sheikh Hamad became the first Arab leader to visit Gaza in person and played a pivotal role in convening the Gaza Summit, underscoring his unwavering commitment to Arab solidarity and humanitarian causes. “He always carried the concerns of the Arab and Muslim worlds, with Palestine at the heart of his priorities,” al-Mudahka said. “For Qataris, he was a father to the nation,” he continued. “He built this country, transforming it from a small town on the shores of the Gulf into a modern global state with a distinguished presence in politics, the economy and international affairs.” Al-Mudahka also credited the HH the late Father Amir with pioneering one of the Arab world’s most influential media landscapes. “The freedom of the press we witness today in Qatar and across much of the Arab world is part of his legacy,” he said. “His vision for economic development was never confined to Qatar alone; it embraced the wider Arab region. At home, he also worked tirelessly to unite the diverse communities that make up Qatari society.” Al-Mudahka’s reflections formed part of Al Araby TV’s comprehensive coverage, which the network described as an effort to document a legacy too significant to be captured in a single report or programme. Throughout the day, the broadcaster hosted leading political thinkers, academics, senior officials and media figures to examine the transformative era associated with HH Sheikh Hamad’s leadership. Among the most prominent guests was Arab intellectual Dr Azmi Bishara, director-general of the Arab Centre for Research and Policy Studies, who described HH the late Father Amir as the leader who fundamentally reshaped Qatar’s trajectory. Bishara said HH Sheikh Hamad’s leadership was characterised by an unwavering commitment to national sovereignty, independent decision-making and the rejection of external tutelage. Recalling his personal experience, Bishara said HH the late Father Amir welcomed him to Doha after his forced departure from Palestine, describing the gesture as one of exceptional courage and humanity. He added that the Palestinian cause became both a personal commitment and a strategic priority for HH Sheikh Hamad, whose leadership established Qatar as an influential regional and international actor while safeguarding its sovereign foreign policy. The network also featured the former minister of energy and industry, HE Mohammed bin Saleh al-Sada, who examined how HH the late Father Amir’s strategic vision drove Qatar’s economic renaissance and laid the foundations of the modern state. Political scientist and former Shura Council member Dr Yousuf Obeidan discussed the leadership that strengthened Qatar’s global standing, while Qatar Press Centre Director-General Sadiq Mohammed al-Amari reflected on how HH Sheikh Hamad elevated the country’s international stature. Faleh al-Hajri, editor-in-chief of Al Arab newspaper, described HH the late Father Amir’s legacy as the story of a nation shaped by visionary leadership.Through exclusive interviews, expert analysis and special reports, Alaraby TV presented a comprehensive portrait of a leader whose vision transformed Qatar politically, economically, socially and culturally, while leaving a lasting imprint on the Arab region and securing the country’s place as an influential global actor.