HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani (front R) stands next to his son HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (front L) before the Emir Cup final match between Al-Sadd and Al-Rayyan at Khalifa stadium in Doha, in this May 18, 2013 file picture. Reuters/Fadi Al-Assaad
DOHA: HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani said on Tuesday he was transferring power to HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, taking the rare step for a Gulf Arab ruler of voluntarily ceding power to try to ensure a smooth succesion.
In a seven-minute speech aired on state television, the Emir said it was now time for the new generation to take over following his 18 years at the helm of the Gulf Arab state.
"The time has come to open a new page in the journey of our nation that would have a new generation carry the responsibilities ... with their innovative ideas," said the Emir, reading a prepared text behind his desk.
"I address you today to inform you that I will transfer power to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. I am fully confident that he is qualified for the responsibility and trustworthy."
State television later showed pictures of well wishers greeting the outgoing Emir and Sheikh Tamim at the royal court.
The Emir did not specify when the change would take effect but a Qatari official had said the move, once announced, would take immediate effect.
The 61-year-old Emir made no mention of the fate of veteran politician and the public face of Qatar's aggresive foreign policy, Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jasim al-Khalifa.
Tuesday was a national holiday in the country of a one-family absolute monarchy has ruled over for more than 130 years. The royal court has invited Qataris to go to swear allegiance to Sheikh Tamim on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Emir has also elevated Qatar's international profile through the launch and development of the Al Jazeera television network, as well as its successful bid to host the 2022 soccer World Cup tournament.
Qatari state media said the Emir had formally informed family members and top decision makers in the U.S.-allied state of his decision at a meeting in the capital Doha on Monday.
Qatari political analyst Mohammed al-Misfer said he did not expect major changes to foreign policy or domestic plans after the handover, adding that Sheikh Tamim was already involved in running the country under his father's direction.
Arab and Western diplomats said they understood the motive was the Emir's desire to have a smooth transition to a younger generation. Such a transition would be unusual for Gulf Arab states, where leaders usually die in office.
"This precedent will not be easily received in the region," Misfer told Al Jazeera. (Reuters)
