Qatar’s UK-educated, sports-loving new leader

France 24

A December 24, 2012, file photo shows Qatari Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani smiling as he arrives in the Bahraini capital of Manama. AFP Photo

After 18 years at the helm of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani handed power to his 33-year-old son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, in an unprecedented move announced as a way to inject “innovative ideas” into the small, gas-rich Gulf 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,” Sheikh Hamad said in a televised speech on Tuesday.

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