H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has shared an emotional tribute to her late father, HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, offering a personal account of the man behind Qatar’s former leader.
Published under the title “Yuba – My Dear Father,” the tribute reflects on his devotion to Qatar, his relationship with his family and his belief in empowering people to contribute to the country’s progress.
“The measure is Qatar”
At the heart of Sheikha Al Mayassa’s tribute is the Arabic expression “Al miqyas Qatar,” meaning that Qatar should be the measure behind every decision and action.
She explained that the principle was not about individual recognition, personal gain or ego, but about serving the country and its people. She described it as the compass that continues to guide her work and said her father lived according to it every day.
Even during family holidays, national affairs remained at the centre of his attention. She remembered his ability to unite people behind his conviction that “Qatar deserves the best.”
A leader who trusted the next generation
Sheikha Al Mayassa reflected on the late Father Amir’s decision to transfer power to his son, HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
She wrote that her father believed he had fulfilled his responsibility and trusted the next generation to continue carrying Qatar forward. During her final moments with him, he spoke about the pride he felt in Sheikh Tamim and his leadership.
The tribute presents the transfer of power as an extension of his belief in youthful leadership, responsibility and national continuity.
A father who empowered his daughters and sons
Beyond his public role, Sheikha Al Mayassa remembered a father who encouraged his daughter to believe that there were no limits to what she could achieve.
She recalled how he taught her everyday skills, encouraged her to study in the United States and Paris and arranged professional internships during her summer breaks. Most importantly, she said, he taught her the value of giving.
She also described his sensitivity and attentiveness. He regularly checked on her wellbeing and immediately noticed when something sounded different in her voice. His greatest gift, she wrote, was his ability to listen and care.
Building Qatar through culture and human development
Sheikha Al Mayassa began working closely with her father after graduating from university in 2005. She travelled with him internationally and was later entrusted with responsibility for the Museum of Islamic Art at the age of 23.
She recalled that immediately after the museum opened, her father was already asking which museum would come next. Rather than viewing cultural institutions only as places for preserving art, he saw them as drivers of economic activity, quality of life and human development.
His pace, ambition and constant focus on future projects pushed those around him to remain disciplined, grounded and prepared for the next challenge.
Elevating Arab voices
In her tribute, Sheikha Al Mayassa wrote that the creation of Al Jazeera was among her father’s proudest achievements.
She said he wanted Arab voices to be heard and believed that people across the region should be empowered through media, education, culture, film and sport.
She also remembered him as a leader who valued dialogue. Rather than treating disagreements as personal confrontations, he encouraged honest discussion and different opinions until a solution could be found in Qatar’s best interests.
A leader who remained close to the community
The tribute also describes the late Father Amir driving through neighbourhoods and visiting people to learn about their lives and wellbeing.
Sheikha Al Mayassa wrote that Qataris and residents alike felt close to his presence and remembered his smile, warmth and accessibility.
At home, she described him as a devoted husband, father and grandfather who respected the contribution of HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser to their family and wider society. He was generous with his time and attention and never made those around him feel less important.
A call to continue serving Qatar
Concluding her tribute, Sheikha Al Mayassa reflected on the unity shown by Qatar and mourners from around the world following her father’s passing.
She said honouring him requires the nation to remain united, focused and determined to deliver the best for Qatar and the wider region.
She encouraged people returning to work to contribute as effectively as possible while remaining humble, kind, generous and hospitable—values she said defined her father’s life and leadership.
She ended by praying that his memory would continue to guide future generations and that his soul would rest in peace.
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