19.08.2008
His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani
Since becoming Amir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani has set the country on a monumental modernisation programme with the aim of becoming a role model for economic and social transformation in the region. Qatar has quickly established a world-class knowledge economy, focusing on education, sport, medicine, science and technology.
His Highness Sheikh Hamad's visionary leadership has also earned him acclaim from all around the world: the Order of Oman from the Sultanate of Oman, the Order of the Nile from Egypt, the Order of King Abdul Aziz from Saudi Arabia, the Indonesian Order of Ibn 'Azeem, the Order of Francisco de Miranda from Venezuela, the Order of St. Michael and St. George from the UK, the Order of Grand Officer of the Legion d'Honneur from France, the Mohammedi Medal from Morocco and the Lebanese Order of Merit.
His Highness the Amir has played an extremely active role in promoting and developing athletics in Qatar. His activism and support have enhanced the country's involvement and performance in international competitions, including winning an Olympic medal in track and field; hosting a wide variety of international sporting events such as the GCC, Asian and World Youth soccer championships; the Qatar Masters Golf Tournament and initiating the Qatar Open Tennis Championship which has grown to become one of two premier tennis competitions in the Middle East.