Qatari emir Sheikh Hamad hands power to son Tamim

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, has handed power to son Tamim in a peaceful transition.

08:51 26 June 2013

In a very smooth transition of power, Qatari emir Sheikh Hamad has transferred power to his son, the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday.

Sheikh Hamad addressed the nation saying: "I announce I am handing over power to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani".

"I am fully certain that he is up to the responsibility, deserving of confidence, capable of shouldering the responsibility and fulfilling the mission.”

"Our youth have proved in recent years that they are resolute people, that they comprehend the spirit of the times and participate in it.”

The huge event is considered very rare in Gulf where most rulers stay in their position for decades, typically until they die.

A possible cabinet shake-up maybe expected as part of the changes in the government line-up.

Meanwhile, analysts say that Sheikh Tamim, who is British-educated, is unlikely to deviate far from his father’s policies.