Prof. Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Board of Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue.
Doha, Qatar: Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani succeeded in firmly establishing the concept of cultural and humanitarian diplomacy for the State of Qatar, said Prof. Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi (pictured), Chairman of the Board of Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue.
"He made dialogue, mediation, and peaceful conflict resolution the defining characteristics of Qatar’s international identity, believing that lasting peace can only be achieved through acknowledging others, respecting diversity, and embracing our shared human values. Today, we in the educational community and at the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue renew our pledge to uphold these noble principles."
We extend our deepest condolences and sincere sympathies to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to the esteemed Al Thani family, and to the people of Qatar. We pray that Almighty Allah grants the late Father Amir His vast mercy, admits him into His eternal Paradise among the righteous and the faithful, and rewards him abundantly for his service to humanity, Al Nuaimi wrote.
"Although great leaders leave this world physically, their achievements, legacy, and the love they inspired remain forever alive in the hearts of people. The institutions established during his reign continue to play a vital role in building bridges of peace and understanding among followers of different religions.
Inspired by his words and guided by his wise vision, the Father Amir rejected the notion of a “clash of civilizations” and instead championed genuine communication between followers of different faiths. Under his patronage, the Doha Conferences on Interfaith Dialogue were launched in 2003, transforming Doha into a global platform where religious leaders, intellectuals, academics, and media professionals gather to promote the values of tolerance and to combat extremism and hate speech.
Those blessed words of our Father Amir became our guiding light and one of the most significant expressions of Qatar’s soft power during his reign and beyond.
They reflected his profound awareness of the importance of religious and civilizational values and the need to anchor them in the service of global peace and understanding among nations. From these words, the vision of the Center was carved.
"With profound sorrow, I begin this article by offering condolences to myself and to my homeland, with hearts that believe in Allah’s decree and are content with His will, as we bid farewell to the architect of Qatar’s modern renaissance and the inspiration of generations, the Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. He instilled in us the values of generosity, excellence, and ambition, and led the nation with remarkable foresight and visionary leadership. He made human development the cornerstone of national progress, looking far beyond the present to build a secure and honourable future for his country and its people."
The State of Qatar, the Arab and Islamic worlds, and indeed the international community have lost, with the passing of the late Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, an exceptional leader who devoted his life to serving his nation and his people. He shaped a glorious chapter in Qatar’s history, elevating the country to the ranks of the world’s advanced and influential nations.
"Through his far-sighted vision, he inspired our hearts and minds with the importance of entrenching a culture of dialogue, particularly interfaith dialogue, through pioneering initiatives that continue to serve as beacons of peace, coexistence, and mutual understanding. Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return."
