Following the passing of His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani on Sunday, July 12, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser shared an emotional tribute on social media, mourning the leader whose vision helped shape modern Qatar. She said she felt “the greatest sorrow” over the loss of her husband before concluding her message with a heartfelt prayer in his memory.

Calling Sheikh Hamad and Sheikha Moza a “power couple” is not an exaggeration—it is a reflection of the influence they each wielded. Sheikha Moza once described the two of them as ‘a good team’, with Sheikh Hamad leading the country’s economic and geopolitical ambitions – from expanding its liquefied natural gas industry to launching Al Jazeera and securing the 2022 FIFA World Cup – while Sheikha Moza built an educational legacy through Qatar Foundation, championing education, research and community development.

For many who knew him, Sheikh Hamad was remembered for the warmth and kindness he brought to his role as leader. Together with Sheikha Moza, he built a partnership defined by vision and purpose, shaping a legacy that continues to influence Qatar’s journey today.

Sheikha Moza’s Role 

Sheikha Moza’s public profile broke long-standing taboos, where women in the Gulf were not seen or heard in public, as she became the first Qatari ruler’s wife to appear on national television, accompany her husband on state visits, address the United Nations and take on a visible public role. She reshaped the image of the modern Gulf royal consort. Beyond her public presence, and with Sheikh Hamad’s support, Sheikha Moza built an influence that extended outside Qatar through her work in philanthropy, culture and education. Internationally, she became recognised as a symbol of the Gulf state’s evolving identity, championing initiatives that advanced innovation, human development and social progress.

A Shared Vision 

Together, they shared a belief that education could build a stronger nation — a vision that became reality. Through Qatar Foundation, established in 1995, and the development of Education City, launched the following year, they brought leading international universities to Qatar and transformed education into a cornerstone of the nation’s development, creating a legacy that continues to shape its future. 

On numerous public occasions, Sheikh Hamad has expressed his pride and gratitude for Sheikha Moza’s dedication to Qatar Foundation and her role in shaping Education City into the internationally recognised institution it is today. 

Their appearance together in Zurich in December 2010, holding the World Cup trophy after Qatar won the hosting bid, remains one of the most iconic images of the couple—capturing both Sheikh Hamad’s ambitious vision and their role as partners on the global stage.

Their 2010 state visit to the United Kingdom remains one of the couple’s most successful visits. The visit captivated global attention for Sheikha Moza elegant custom wardrobe, blending modesty with haute couture, while also strengthening cultural and educational ties between Qatar and Britain through connections with leading institutions

Even after Sheikh Hamad’s 2013 abdication, when he handed power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, then 33, marking a generational transition in Qatar’s leadership, the legacy he built alongside Sheikha Moza has continued to be honoured. Sheikha Moza has continued her work with the same dedication, carrying forward a shared vision that is expected to endure far beyond the passing of the Father Emir.

Photos courtesy of @SheikhaMozaFashion