Doha, July 12 (QNA) - Editors-in-chief and media leaders reviewed the journey of HH the late Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and the national renaissance he achieved for Qatar during his tenure as ruler across various fields and sectors, including politics, the economy, security, media, social affairs and sports. They also highlighted his leadership role at the Arab, regional and international levels, which elevated Qatar to the ranks of leading countries worldwide and made it a model to be emulated.

They affirmed that the wise governance embodied by HH the Father Amir throughout his achievement-filled national journey granted Qatar a regional standing with global presence, built on a strong economy, investment in people, advancement of education, attraction of major international events, and openness to knowledge and the best global experiences, turning Doha into one of the world's most important platforms for dialogue, mediation and peace-making.

Abdullah Talib Al Marri, editor-in-chief of Al Raya newspaper, said that the legacy left by HH the late Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, represents a major turning point in the history of modern Qatar. He said HH the late Father Amir established a comprehensive national project that elevated the country to the ranks of the most influential states regionally and internationally through a far-reaching strategic vision that made Qatar a development model.

Speaking to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Marri explained that HH the Father Amir led a comprehensive renaissance during his reign, covering various economic, political, security, social, cultural and sports sectors. He said this contributed to consolidating the concept of a modern state based on institutions and the rule of law, noting that the adoption of the Permanent Constitution represented a pivotal milestone that strengthened the path of good governance and institutional work.

He added that one of the most prominent aspects of HH the Father Amir's legacy was investment in the Qatari people, stemming from his belief that true wealth lies in minds and capabilities. This was embodied in the establishment of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, which became a global knowledge institution reflecting his vision of building a knowledge- and innovation-based economy and making people the focus and purpose of development.

He explained that Qatar witnessed historic transformations during the reign of HH the Father Amir, whose impact remains evident today. Among the foremost was the major advancement of the liquefied natural gas sector, as he adopted an ambitious vision to develop the North Field, strengthening Qatar's position as one of the world's leading energy powers and contributing to the creation of a strong economy that provided stability and prosperity for successive generations.

He noted that the period also witnessed the launch of strategic projects to develop infrastructure, including ports, airports, road networks and modern facilities, in addition to elevating Qatar Airways to become one of the world's leading airlines, providing a strong foundation for continued comprehensive development.

He pointed out that the establishment of the Qatar Investment Authority in 2005 represented a strategic milestone in the country's economic development. It contributed to diversifying national income sources, enhancing economic sustainability and safeguarding the rights of future generations through high-quality sovereign investments around the world.

The editor-in-chief of Al Raya affirmed that HH the Father Amir's vision contributed to strengthening Qatar's international standing through the adoption of an independent and balanced foreign policy that made Doha a platform for dialogue, mediation and peace-making. He said this helped bring closer the views of parties on many regional and international issues and enhanced Qatar's position as a trusted partner in supporting security and stability.

He added that HH the Father Amir recognized early the importance of soft power in strengthening international presence. He supported media, culture, education and sports, launched the Al Jazeera network, and laid the foundations that paved the way for Qatar to win the right to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, a historic achievement for the Arab and Islamic worlds. He also built an extensive network of political, economic and security partnerships with countries around the world. 

He explained that the legacy of HH the Father Amir represents a comprehensive model of strategic leadership and nation-building, emphasizing that a clear vision, confidence in humanity, and decisive action are key drivers of major transformations. He noted that Qatar's experience demonstrates that a nation's stature is defined by its vision, ambition, and ability to turn potential into tangible achievements.

He added that HH the Father Amir established a development model that balances the preservation of Arab and Islamic identity with openness to knowledge and global best practices. He also embodied the principles of sustainable development through his historic decision to hand over the reins of power in 2013 to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, ensuring the continuity of Qatar's development journey and the advancement of its achievements.

Al Marri concluded his remarks to QNA by stating that although HH the Father Amir is no longer with us, his legacy remains deeply rooted in the state's institutions, projects, and accomplishments. His name will continue to be associated with the modern renaissance that established Qatar as a strong, confident, and influential state regionally and internationally.

In a related statement, Director-General of Qatar Press Center (QPC) Sadiq Mohammed Al Amari said HH the late Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani left a lasting legacy in Qatar's history. He noted that while all of Qatar's leaders have contributed greatly to the nation's development, HH the late Father Amir played a pivotal role in strengthening Qatar's regional and international standing.

Al Amari highlighted HH the late Father Amir's contributions to the media sector, particularly the decision to abolish the Ministry of Information, which expanded the space for media freedom and enabled the press to carry out its professional role in covering events and issues.

He also pointed to the launch of Al Jazeera in 1996 as a major milestone that transformed Arab and international media through its wide-reaching coverage and role in conveying the perspectives of Arab citizens, particularly during conflicts and crises.

He further highlighted HH the late Father Amir's support for the Gaza Strip and his historic visits there as the first Arab leader to do so.

Al Amari also referred to Qatar's sporting achievements during HH the Father Amir's era, including the establishment of sports media platforms that have gained millions of followers worldwide, as well as Qatar's successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup in 2010. He noted that achievements across the scientific, educational, healthcare, social, and cultural sectors have contributed to Qatar's emergence as a leading nation globally.

Meanwhile, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Watan newspaper Mohammad Hajji said HH the late Father Amir elevated Qatar's position among the world's leading nations through major achievements across political, media, sports, health, social, and cultural fields. He described his legacy as an embodiment of visionary national leadership that transformed Qatar into a global hub and a source of pride for its people.

Speaking to QNA, Hajji said HH the late Father Amir strengthened Qatar's role in addressing global challenges by supporting humanitarian initiatives, providing aid, facilitating mediation efforts to resolve conflicts, and maintaining an active presence in international forums, helping establish Qatar as a trusted and respected global partner.

He added that HH the late Father Amir left a significant mark on history through his dedication to Qatar's progress and prosperity, guided by a vision and humanitarian approach that reached beyond the country's borders. He highlighted the growth of the liquefied natural gas sector, which established Qatar as a leading energy producer, along with major advancements in urban development, infrastructure, and aviation.

Hajji also praised HH the late Father Amir's contributions to the media sector, which helped position Qatari media as an international platform, with Al Jazeera Network and sports media among its most prominent examples. He noted that the late leader recognized the significance of media as a form of soft power to promote humanitarian values and support important causes. (MORE)