Doha, Qatar: The US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC) mourns the loss of His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2026. USQBC extends its deepest condolences to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Al Thani family, and the people of the State of Qatar during this period of national mourning.
His Highness the Father Amir is rightly remembered as the architect of modern Qatar. From his accession in 1995 until his historic transfer of power to H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in 2013, he guided a transformation without parallel in the region.
Under his leadership, Qatar developed the North Field into the engine of its prosperity, becoming the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas and achieving more than twentyfold growth in national output. His reign saw the promulgation of Qatar’s first permanent constitution, the founding of Qatar Foundation and Education City, the establishment of the Qatar Investment Authority, and the launch of Qatar National Vision 2030—institutions and initiatives that continue to define the nation’s trajectory.
His vision extended to the global stage, from Doha’s role as a trusted diplomatic mediator to Qatar’s selection as host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the first held in the Middle East.
The Father Amir was also a foundational figure in the US-Qatar relationship, which USQBC remains committed to strengthening and advancing. It was under his leadership that the strategic partnership between the two nations took its modern form through the deepening of defense cooperation anchored at Al Udeid Air Base, the welcoming of leading American universities to Education City, and landmark energy partnerships with US companies that helped establish Qatar’s LNG industry as a global leader.
His visits to the White House and engagement with successive US administrations laid the groundwork for the flourishing commercial, educational, and security ties that bind our two countries today.
With its thoughts remaining with the leadership and people of the State of Qatar, USQBC continues its mission of strengthening the enduring economic partnership and advancing the business relationship between the United States and Qatar
