HE Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, a prominent figure in Qatar’s energy sector and government, passed away Wednesday in London after a long and influential career spanning over five decades. Born in Qatar on December 5, 1952, Al Attiyah played a key role in shaping the country’s energy landscape and enhancing its international stature.

Starting his professional journey in 1972 at the Ministry of Finance and Petroleum, Al Attiyah quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Head of International and Public Relations at the ministry from 1973 to 1986. He then transitioned to the Ministry of Interior as Director of the Office from 1986 to 1989. Following this period, he served as Acting Minister of Finance and Petroleum until 1992.

In 1992, Al Attiyah was appointed Minister of Energy and Industry, as well as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Qatar Petroleum. During this tenure, he oversaw significant developments within Qatar’s energy sector and boosted the country’s role in global energy markets. In 1993, he became president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and served on its compliance committee overseeing production quotas.

Al Attiyah’s governmental responsibilities expanded further when he was named Second Deputy Prime Minister in 2003 and later Deputy Prime Minister in 2007. Internationally, he was elected President of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development in 2006. He also chaired the 18th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP18) held in Doha in 2012, overseeing the adoption of the “Doha Climate Gateway.” This landmark outcome extended the Kyoto Protocol for a second commitment period through 2020, facilitated financial support from developed to developing nations, and laid groundwork for future global climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement.

In 2009, Al Attiyah was elected President of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). Under his leadership, Doha was designated as the forum’s permanent headquarters during its eighth ministerial meeting. He temporarily served as the forum’s Secretary-General until a permanent successor was appointed.

Beyond his energy and international roles, Al Attiyah held several key positions in Qatar’s governance, including Chief of the Amiri Diwan starting in 2011, Chairman of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority, and Chairman of the State Planning Committee. His final official role was Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Al Attiyah Foundation.

Throughout his career, Al Attiyah received numerous international honors recognizing his contributions to energy development, governance, and sustainable policies. These accolades include the Pendant of Independence awarded by the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Order of Orange-Nassau from the former Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun from Japan’s Emperor, and honorary doctorates from Texas A&M University and Italy’s Tor Vergata University.