Officials and public figures in the country mourned the late His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Industry, recalling his long career and outstanding contributions to serving the nation.
Al-Attiyah passed away to the mercy of God Almighty yesterday, in London, after a long career in the service of Qatar. His Excellency was born in the State of Qatar on December 5, 1952, and began his career in 1972 in the Ministry of Finance and Petroleum, before assuming the position of Head of International and Public Relations in the Ministry from 1973 to 1986.
In the period from 1986 to 1989, he served as Director of the Office of the Ministry of Interior, then he assumed the position of Acting Minister of Finance and Petroleum between 1989 and 1992, until he was appointed Minister of Energy and Industry in 1992, then he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister while retaining his position as Minister of Energy and Industry until 2011. Then, in early November 2015, he founded the Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development, which is a non-profit organization. Independent.
His Excellency Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, Minister of State and Head of the Qatar National Library, said about Al-Attiyah on the “X” platform: “A rare man passed away today, and one of our dearest friends is gone from us.”
He added, “He is from my generation, and from those with whom I shared the dream of building a homeland when we were young, engaging in dialogue and looking forward. Then we worked together as officials at the same time, he as Minister of Energy and I of Culture and Information, with a rare honor to be in the service of Qatar under the leadership of its great pioneer, His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, may God protect him, an exceptional leader whose like is rarely spared.”
Al-Kuwari recalled Al-Attiyah’s history: “Abu Hamad’s contributions to building Qatar administratively, financially, and economically are known to everyone and are rarely rivaled. In every sector he went through, he left a mark that bears witness to him. As for the world of energy, the OPEC negotiations, and international energy forums, he was a voice to be reckoned with, and he and a few men drew the features of Qatar that we know today.” His role was not limited to politics and economics, as he was one of the founders of Al-Sadd Sports Club and had a prominent role in the Qatari sports movement, as if he wanted to build the nation from every aspect.”
His Excellency Mr. Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Attiyah, Minister of Municipality, wrote via “X”: “My uncle, His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, has passed away to God’s mercy, a person and a name who played a major role in my life and the lives of many. He entered the world clean, and left it clean, leaving a good impact and a fragrant biography that everyone can attest to.”
His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Kingdom, commented: “Loss is not only in the departure… but in the absence of those whose presence we were accustomed to, and whose image. May God have mercy on a friend with beautiful morals. His impact will remain and our prayers for him will remain as long as memories remain.”
Saeed bin Ali Al Marri, a member of the Central Municipal Council, said: “May God have mercy on my father, Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, one of Qatar’s loyal men who devoted the years of his life to serving the nation and its elevation, and contributed with their great efforts to the process of development and renaissance that our country is witnessing.”
Al Marri added, “His impact will remain present due to his giving and sincerity, and his good biography will remain engraved in the nation’s memory.”
Meanwhile, His Excellency Mr. Ahmed bin Saeed Al Rumaihi, Director General of the Qatar News Agency (QNA), wrote: “Today we left one of Qatar’s most loyal men and great experts, His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, the former Minister of Energy. “A man who led the natural gas and oil boom with wisdom and sound vision, and who created Qatar’s international standing in global energy markets.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Hamad Al-Hajri, CEO of Sununu, confirmed that “Abu Hamad passed away, leaving behind a good biography and great love in the hearts of people. He was an example of good morals, a kind word, dedication, and sincerity in work and sacrifice for the homeland.”
Talal Al-Emadi, former dean of the College of Law at Qatar University, wrote: “May God have mercy on His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, one of the most prominent strategic minds who contributed to shaping the position of the State of Qatar in the global energy sector, and whose name was associated with the historic transformation that made Qatar the largest exporter of liquefied natural gas in the world. He left an extended institutional and intellectual legacy through the Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development, which continues to serve energy and sustainable development issues.”