Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani has described the passing of His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani as the loss of the leader of Qatar’s modern renaissance. Sheikh Khalifa extended his deepest condolences and sincere sympathies to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani, the esteemed members of the ruling family, and the government and people of Qatar on the passing of HH the Father Amir. “I pray to Almighty Allah to bestow His abundant mercy and forgiveness upon HH the Father Amir, grant him the highest place in Paradise, and reward him generously for his distinguished service to Qatar, its people and the wider Arab and Islamic nations,” said Sheikh Khalifa. Sheikh Khalifa said Qatar had lost an exceptional leader and a great statesman who devoted his life to serving his country and people and led a historic transformation that laid the foundations of the modern State of Qatar and strengthened its regional and international standing. He noted that HH the Father Amir’s far-sighted vision and strong belief in the capabilities of the Qatari people launched an ambitious national development journey that brought significant progress across the economic, social, educational, healthcare, cultural, and infrastructure sectors. Sheikh Khalifa highlighted the major economic transformation achieved during HH the Father Amir’s reign, particularly the strategic development of the energy sector, which enabled Qatar to become one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and provided a strong foundation for national growth and prosperity. He stated that HH the Father Amir’s vision extended beyond the oil and gas sector to the development of a diversified and open economy, the strengthening of the private sector, the encouragement of local and foreign investment, and the advancement of industry, trade, transport, services, telecommunications, and infrastructure. Sheikh Khalifa stressed that the Qatari people remained at the heart of HH the Father Amir’s vision, with education, healthcare, and human development receiving particular attention. These efforts contributed to building a knowledge-based society and enhancing Qatar’s position as a regional centre for education, research, and innovation. He also praised HH the Father Amir’s role in strengthening Qatar’s international presence through balanced relations, dialogue, cooperation, mediation, and support for the peaceful resolution of disputes, helping establish Qatar as a respected and trusted partner on the regional and global stages.Sheikh Khalifa affirmed that among HH the Father Amir’s greatest achievements was the establishment of a strong state with modern institutions, a prosperous economy, and an educated and ambitious society, as well as the historic transfer of leadership to HH the Amir in a transition that reflected wisdom, foresight, and a commitment to the continuity of development. He stated that the progress, prosperity, and distinguished international standing enjoyed by Qatar today represent a natural continuation of the vision whose foundations were laid by HH the Father Amir and further strengthened under the wise leadership of HH the Amir. Sheikh Khalifa said Qatar’s private sector and business community would always remember with deep appreciation the support given to the national economy during HH the Father Amir’s reign and the major projects and reforms that expanded opportunities for trade, investment and industry and strengthened the role of national companies. “No words can fully express the stature of HH the Father Amir or the magnitude of his contributions to Qatar and its people. He was a wise leader, a great national symbol, and the architect of Qatar’s modern renaissance. His vision, achievements and enduring legacy will remain a source of pride and inspiration for generations to come,” Sheikh Khalifa emphasised. “I pray to Almighty Allah to grant HH the Father Amir His mercy and the highest place in Paradise, protect HH the Amir, and preserve the blessings of security, stability, dignity, and prosperity for the State of Qatar,” he added.
