Doha, Qatar                                                                                                                                                                                       05 September 2017

Emir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani officially inaugurated today state of the art Hamad Port in Umm Al Houl on Tuesday.

Present on the occasion were Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Habib El Malki, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Kingdom of Morocco, Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khulaifi, Speaker of the Advisory Council, Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Futaisi,  Minister of Transport and Communications of the Sultanate of Oman,  Graziano Delrio, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Italy, Abbas Akhoundi, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Elisabeth Borne, Minister of Transport of the French Republic,  Moulay Hafid Elalamy, Minister of Industry, Investment, Trade and Digital Economy of the Kingdom of Morocco,  Ramin Guluzade, Minister of Communications and Communications of the Republic of Azerbaijan,  Emil Karanikolov, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Bulgaria, Sheikh Yousef Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah,  Director General of the Ports Authority in the State of Kuwait, a number of Sheikhs, ministers, senior officials and ambassadors accredited to State of Qatar and guests.

Inauguration ceremony began with performing national anthem followed by a show entitled 'the bird of goodness' that embodies the story of Qatar's prosperity and development from the past to the present.

Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport and Communications  said on the occasion that this magnificent construction was completed ahead of schedule and below budget, will be remembered in history as a sign of gratitude from this dignified nation to the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.

He said that this giant gateway carries the Father Emir's name, which, in our memory and world memory, will be synonymous with the maker of miracles in this land.

AlSulaiti said this would not have been achieved without the guidelines and encouragement of  Emir and  support of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Such great support had a great impact in energizing our drive and increasing the momentum for work and dedication, he said.

He said that Hamad Port demonstrates this most vividly as it has played a very important role recently by providing direct marine shipping routes with key regional and world seaports in a short time, thus contributing to securing the goods, supplies and all that is needed for our vital projects.

AlSulaiti said that this port will contribute in increasing trade volumes between Qatar and world markets, creating job opportunities for youth, raising living standards in addition to transforming it into a regional business hub.

"We have proven beyond any doubt how much we are flexible but steadfast when it comes to facing challenges without compromising out values, traditions and ambitions. We have all reason today to keep our heads up, given the amount of difficulties we have overcome and the challenges we have faced. Today, we are stronger and more determined with even more options at hand. We do not wait for the sea to calm - we learn how to sail through the storm," Al Sulaiti said.

Emir of Qatar placed the logo of Hamad Port on the designated area marking the official opening of the port.

After the ceremony, a timeline of country's progress starting from pearling, fishing to present day progress and prosperity of the country was presented.