The new organisation will form the institutional and structural framework of the ongoing charity projects undertaken by the dependents across various platforms, a statement said.

“The charity will lay the foundation for structured charity work that aims to benefit the cross section of local and international communities. It will also focus on further enhancing the support extended to the less privileged sections of the community and will actively collaborate with existing charitable organisations to support requirements needed to improve conditions within the society.

“Nasser Bin Khaled Al Thani Charitable Foundation will build on the legacy of the late Sheikh Nasser, who was widely regarded within the Qatari community for his commitment to social causes and for supporting the less fortunate members of the society.

“His sons carried forward his legacy over the past years, contributing to projects and initiatives in Qatar and abroad that help reduce the sufferings of the weaker sections and provide care and comfort for them.

“The new organisation will also set the necessary plan and strategies that deal with urgent needs to secure the best outcomes and results, and provide aid in the right places for better and more effective charity work.

Sheikh Nawaf Nasser bin Khaled al-Thani, chairman of Nasser Bin Khaled Al Thani Charitable Foundation, said “We are pleased to announce the establishment of this charitable organisation, which, if God wills, will help us realise our late father’s dream and provide additional assistance to charity and social organisations in Qatar.

“Our father was an example of virtue and righteousness, my family and I are committed to follow his path and partner with organisations across the region dedicated to improving the conditions of the less privileged communities and provide them with resources and education for a better future.

“Nasser Bin Khaled Al Thani Charitable Foundation aims to compliment and assist other charity organisations for the betterment of the Qatari, Arabs and other needy people. It will provide assistance of philanthropy and public benefit, humanitarian assistance, health aid for affected people during the times of crisis, establish hospitals and medical centres where needed.

The charity will also support the development of educational services in Islamic communities that do not have the resources to build schools, mosques and centres for Qur’an.

The late Sheikh Nasser received his education from various prominent sheiks (Muslim clerics), and was one of the students of the late Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul Aziz al-Manaa. His divan was the main centre for social and political discussions.

In 1951 Sheikh Nasser founded a commercial company, that went on to become one of the most prominent companies in Qatar. He occupied prominent positions and left a long lasting impact at all organisations he worked in.

In 1952 he headed the first committee of education in Qatar which laid the foundation and pillar for progressive education in Qatar. He was the first Minister of Economy and Commerce in Qatar after its independence in 1971, and retained his position till his death in 1986.

Drawing on their fathers’ commitment to philanthropy, Sheikh Nasser’s children have been staunch supporters of various social and humanitarian causes in Qatar. They supported a project for new Muslims in the south of the Philippines in 1987, and bought a piece of land on which they built a mosque, school for teaching Qur’an, and an accommodation for students. The project was built in Bukwak in Bajadian city, and carries the name of Sheikh Nasser Bin Khaled. They also founded Nasser Bin Khaled Islamic organisation in Zamboanga and started its operations in May 1994.