Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-thani

• Sheikh Hamad, emir who made Qatar world player

  Qatar's emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, who hand over to his son today after 18 years on the throne, turned the tiny Gulf state from a desert backwater into a major world player.

• Qatar's new emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani seen maintaining country's role as power broker

  Qatar's new emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani is widely expected to push ahead with his father's drive that transformed the wealthy Gulf Arab gas exporter into a regional power broker.

• Qatar emir makes way for son, setting rare Gulf Arab example

  Qatar emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani abdicated in favour of his 33-year-old son, Sheikh Tamim, today, in a first for the Arab world.

• Qatar's emir to make way for son, setting rare Gulf Arab example

  Qatar's ruler is expected to inform his people today of his decision to step down and hand over to his son Sheikh Tamim, taking the rare step for a Gulf Arab ruler of voluntarily ceding power to try to ensure a smooth succession.

• Qatar emir 'set to transfer power to son'

  The emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, is preparing to hand control of the gas-rich Gulf state to his son, Qatari diplomats and officials said.