Do you know about the only king in the Gulf who abdicated the throne to his son?

Think about the Middle East and what first comes to mind is lots of politics and ‘Game of Thrones’ styled stories of palace intrigue.

However, there was a leader who sidestepped everything and gracefully handed his throne over to his son — HH The Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

It was under the 65-year-old former ruler that Qatar became what it is today — a nation that stands tall and proud in front of the world.

The Al Thani royal family has been ruling Qatar since its formation in 1825. HH The Father Emir, who began his rule in 1995, was the main reason behind Qatar’s drastic reformations and rapid progress.

He helped transform the little nation into one of the world’s wealthiest countries, with the globe’s highest per-capita income.

Under his leadership, Qatar won hosting rights to the prestigious 2022 FIFA World Cup. It was also under his and that of his second wife Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al Misnad’s patronages that many world-class educational institutions opened in Qatar.

On June 25, 2013, he ensured his legacy forever by willingly handing over power to his son — HH The Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He became the first ruler in the region to ever do so.

His speech, during the handover ceremony, was very revealing.
“The time has come to open a new page in the journey of our nation that would’ve a new generation carry the responsibilities,” he said.

Aren’t you feeling proud of HH The Father Emir?