Emir of Qatar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Emir of the State of Qatar |
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|---|---|
| أمیر دولة قطر Amir Dawlat Qatar |
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| Incumbent | |
_(cropped).jpg) |
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| Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani since 25 June 2013 |
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| Details | |
| Style | His Highness |
| Heir presumptive | Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani |
| First monarch | Mohammed bin Thani |
| Formation | 1851 |
The Emir of Qatar is the ruler and leader of the country of Qatar. The word "emir" means "commander" or "prince." The Emir is also the head of the country's military, called the Armed Forces. They make sure the country's laws, found in the Constitution, are followed.
The Emir has the most important job in Qatar. They also play a big part in how Qatar works with other countries around the world. All the Emirs of Qatar come from the House of Al Thani family. This family is part of a large group of tribes from the Arabian Peninsula. The current Emir is Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He became the ruler on June 25, 2013.
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Qatar's Rulers: A Look Back
There have been eight rulers of Qatar. All of them have been members of the House of Al Thani family. Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani is known as the first ruler. He united the country's tribes under his leadership in 1851.
Qatar became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1871. However, Sheikh Mohammed still managed Qatar's daily affairs. Later, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani led his army to victory in the Battle of Al Wajbah in March 1893. Because of this, he is seen as the founder of the modern State of Qatar. Qatar remained part of the Ottoman Empire until July 1913.
The Ottomans left Qatar in August 1915. After that, Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani signed an important agreement with Britain in 1916. Sheikh Abdullah ruled Qatar from 1913 to 1949. He was one of the few leaders who ruled through both World War I and World War II. Qatar's first oil well was drilled in October 1938. Oil was found in Dukhan in January 1940, which was a huge discovery for the country.
Qatar became a fully independent country on September 3, 1971. Since then, the ruler has been called the Emir.
How a New Emir is Chosen
Qatar's constitution, which is like its rulebook, says that the role of Emir is passed down through the family. Only descendants of Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani can become Emir. The family decides who will be the next ruler.
For example, the previous Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, chose his fourth son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to be the next in line. This happened on August 5, 2003. His older son, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, had decided not to take the throne. He gave up his right to be Emir in favor of his younger brother, Tamim.
Current Emir: Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani joined the Qatar Armed Forces as a second lieutenant after finishing his studies. He became the person next in line to be Emir on August 5, 2003. This happened after his older brother, Sheikh Jassim, decided not to take the title.
Since then, Sheikh Tamim was prepared to become the ruler. He worked in important jobs related to security and the economy. In 2003, he was also made the deputy commander of Qatar's armed forces. Sheikh Tamim has worked to make sports popular in Qatar. He believes this helps Qatar become more well-known around the world. In 2005, he started a company called Oryx Qatar Sports Investments. This company owns famous sports teams, like the Paris Saint-Germain F.C. football club.
List of Rulers of Qatar
| Name | Lifespan | Reign start | Reign end | Notes | Family | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani
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c. 1788 or 1718 – December 1878 (aged 90) |
1851 | 18 December 1878 | Son of Thani bin Mohammed. | Al Thani | |
| Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani
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c. 1825 – 17 July 1913 (aged 87–88) |
18 December 1878 | 17 July 1913 | Son of Mohammed bin Thani. | Al Thani |  |
| Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani
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1880 – 25 April 1957 (aged 76–77) |
17 July 1913 | 20 August 1949 (abdicated) |
Son of Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani. | Al Thani |  |
| Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani
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5 June 1895 – 31 August 1974 (aged 79) | 20 August 1949 | 24 October 1960 (abdicated) |
Son of Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani and Mariam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah. | Al Thani |  |
| Sheikh Ahmad bin Ali Al Thani
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1922 – 25 November 1977 (aged 54–55) |
24 October 1960 | 22 February 1972 (deposed) |
Son of Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani. From independence on 3 September 1971, the first ruler to be styled Emir (Amir). | Al Thani | |
| Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani
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17 September 1932 – 23 October 2016 (aged 84) | 22 February 1972 | 27 June 1995 (deposed) |
Nephew of Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani. | Al Thani | |
| Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
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1 January 1952 | 27 June 1995 | 25 June 2013 (abdicated) |
Son of Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani and Aisha bint Hamad Al Attiyah. | Al Thani | .jpg) |
| Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
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3 June 1980 | 25 June 2013 | Incumbent | Son of Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Moza bint Nasser. | Al Thani | |
More to Explore
In Spanish: Anexo:Emires de Catar para niños
- House of Al Thani
- Politics of Qatar
- List of prime ministers of Qatar
