Doha: Al-Arab newspaper, in an editorial by its Editor-in-Chief titled "The Father Amir... The Statesman Who Reshaped Qatar," highlighted Qatar's farewell to one of its greatest national figures, the late HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. It portrayed him as a leader whose legacy was defined by a national vision that continued to influence the country well beyond his tenure. The newspaper noted that HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has carried forward this vision, leading Qatar toward new phases of development and comprehensive state-building.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al-Arab emphasized that the late Father Amir had a clear vision for Qatar's future, focused on building a modern state capable of making sovereign decisions. This vision included investing resources in a strong economy and establishing resilient institutions to meet future challenges. He recognized that wealth alone could not secure a nation's standing unless it was transformed into quality education, advanced healthcare, strong institutions, and a skilled population driving national development.
Al-Arab also remarked on what it called one of the most significant decisions in Gulf political history: the Father Amir's decision to hand over leadership to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani at the height of his political influence. This decision demonstrated his belief that a nation's strength lies in robust institutions and that renewing leadership is crucial for long-term national progress.
The newspaper concluded that HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has built upon the foundations laid by the Father Amir, guiding Qatar into a new era marked by a knowledge-based economy, strategic project expansion, and strengthened regional and international standing.
The Peninsula also paid tribute to HH the Father Amir, describing his passing as the end of a transformative era in Qatar's history. In its editorial titled "A Visionary Leader Shaped Modern Qatar," it highlighted how the Father Amir transformed Qatar from a modest Gulf state into a nation of global influence, economic strength, and diplomatic significance.
The Peninsula noted that his vision extended beyond economic success, as he championed investments in education, scientific research, culture, healthcare, and media, recognizing that true national progress rests on knowledge and innovation.
On the international front, the newspaper acknowledged HH Sheikh Hamad's role in establishing Qatar as a trusted mediator and influential diplomatic actor. Through initiatives promoting dialogue and peaceful resolutions in regions like Lebanon, Darfur, Sudan, Eritrea, Afghanistan, and among Palestinian factions, Qatar gained recognition for building bridges where others faced deadlock. His steadfast support for the Palestinian cause was highlighted as a reflection of his commitment to justice, humanitarian values, and regional peace.
The Peninsula concluded that HH the Father Amir's legacy is deeply intertwined with the story of modern Qatar. It stated that history will remember him as a leader whose vision transcended his time, reshaping the nation and inspiring future generations. Sheikh Hamad altered the course of Qatar's history, securing its place among the world's respected and forward-looking nations.