The first time I met the Emir, in 2005, as I was shaking his hand, he told me how happy I was going to be in Qatar.  Two children, one husband, six years of marriage, and a PhD later, I can’t agree more. He is a visionary ruler and a very humble man.

“Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani’s decision to cede power willingly is a first in the modern history of the region. The norm is for Gulf leaders to rule for decades until their death or until circumstances conspire to overthrow them, such as the Arab Spring uprisings that toppled leaders in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. The second reason Tuesday’s transition is historic is because the son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, now becomes the youngest monarch in the region. He is 33.”

Related articles

• His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani The New Emir of Qatar. (VIDEOS)
• UK holds high aspirations to work with Qatar’s new leadership
• Emir Abdicates as Energy-Rich Qatar Set for New Era – Bloomberg
• Understanding the Middle East
• You Defend Your Country Against Libel?
• Wordless Wednesday: Love Wins