Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani |
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Sheikh Tamim in 2020
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| Emir of Qatar | |||||
| Reign | 25 June 2013 – present | ||||
| Predecessor | Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani | ||||
| Deputy Emir | Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani | ||||
| Prime Minister | Abdullah bin Nasser Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz Mohammed bin Abdulrahman |
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| Born | 3 June 1980 Doha, Qatar |
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| Spouse |
Jawaher bint Hamad Al Thani
(m. 2005)Al-Anoud bint Mana Al Hajri
(m. 2009)Noora bint Hathal Al Dosari
(m. 2014) |
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| Issue Detail |
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| House | Al Thani | ||||
| Father | Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani | ||||
| Mother | Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned | ||||
| Signature |  |
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| Military career | |||||
| Allegiance |  Qatar |
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| Service/ |
Qatar Armed Forces | ||||
| Years of service | 2013 – present | ||||
| Styles of Emir of Qatar |
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| Reference style | His Highness |
| Spoken style | Your Highness |
| Alternative style | Sheikh |
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (Arabic: تميم بن حمد بن خليفة آل ثاني; born 3 June 1980) is the current leader, known as the Emir of Qatar. He has been ruling since 2013.
Tamim is the second son of the previous Emir, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. His mother is Moza bint Nassir. He became the next in line to the throne in 2003. This happened when his older brother, Sheikh Jassim, decided not to become Emir. Tamim became Emir when his father stepped down in 2013.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
Tamim bin Hamad was born on 3 June 1980 in Doha, Qatar. He is the fourth son of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. His mother, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned, is his father's second wife. Tamim went to school in Great Britain. He studied at Sherborne School (International College) in Dorset. He also attended Harrow School, where he finished his A-Levels in 1997. After that, he went to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and graduated in 1998.
Career and Achievements
After graduating from Sandhurst, Sheikh Tamim joined the Qatar Armed Forces as a second lieutenant. He became the heir to the Qatari throne on 5 August 2003. This happened after his older brother, Sheikh Jassim, gave up his claim. Since then, Tamim was prepared to take over the country's leadership. He worked in important roles related to security and economics. On 5 August 2003, he was also made deputy commander-in-chief of Qatar's armed forces.
Promoting Sports in Qatar
Sheikh Tamim has strongly supported sports to help Qatar gain international recognition. In 2005, he started Oryx Qatar Sports Investments. This group owns famous sports teams like Paris Saint-Germain F.C. In 2006, he led the committee for the 15th Asian Games in Doha. For the first time, all member countries attended this event. That year, Al Ahram newspaper named Tamim "the best sport personality in the Arab world."
Under his guidance, Qatar won the chance to host the 2014 FINA Swimming World Championships. They also hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Tamim is the head of the National Olympic Committee. In 2002, he became a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He also led Doha's bid for the 2020 Olympics. Qatar spent about $200 billion on new buildings and roads for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In November 2020, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) confirmed that Doha would be a great host for the Asian Games. They were happy with Tamim's support. In December 2020, it was announced that Doha would host the 2030 Asian Games.
Economic Leadership
Sheikh Tamim leads the board of directors for the Qatar Investment Authority. This fund has invested billions of dollars in businesses in the UK. It owns large parts of companies like Barclays Bank, Sainsbury's, and Harrods. The fund also owns 95% of the Shard, a very tall skyscraper in London.
Other Important Roles
Tamim has also held many other important positions, including:
- Head of the Upper Council of the Environment and Natural Sanctuaries.
- Chairman of the Supreme Education Council.
- Chairman of the Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology.
- Chairman of the board of directors for the Public Works Authority (Ashghal).
- Chairman of the board of regents for Qatar University.
- Deputy chairman of the Ruling Family Council.
- Vice president of the Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investment.
Becoming Emir
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On 25 June 2013, Tamim's father, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, decided to step down as the Emir of Qatar. Tamim then became the Emir after his father announced it on TV. Unlike previous rulers in Qatar who came to power through changes in leadership, Tamim was the first to become Emir because his father chose to step down. The change of power went smoothly.
Sheikh Tamim became the crown prince on 5 August 2003. This happened after his brother Sheikh Jassim decided to step down from that role. Jassim had been crown prince for eight years.
Ruling Qatar
Changes at Home
When Tamim became Emir, one of his first actions was to combine different government offices. For example, the Qatar National Food Security Program became part of the Ministries of Economy and Agriculture. He also reduced the budgets of some large organizations like the Qatar Foundation.
Since he took power, the government has improved roads around the capital. They also built the new Doha Metro system. A new airport, the Hamad International Airport, was also completed. During a time of change in the Arab world, Tamim promised to help lower food prices. He also planned to increase social support and pensions for citizens.
In his first speech as Emir on 26 June 2013, Sheikh Tamim promised to make Qatar's economy more diverse. This means relying less on oil and gas.
In 2014, Tamim introduced new laws about "cybercrime." These laws aimed to prevent the spread of "false news" and digital content that goes against the country's "social values." This legislation made it illegal to encourage or help publish offensive material online.
In June 2013, Sheikh Tamim announced his new government team. Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah was named the foreign minister. Tamim also appointed Hessa Al Jaber as the first-ever Minister of Information and Communications Technology in Qatar in 2013. She was the third woman to become a minister in the government.
In January 2016, Tamim made more changes to his government. He appointed a new foreign minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. He also combined several government departments, like communication and transport, and culture, youth, and sports. These changes were seen as a way to make the government more efficient. They also showed that Tamim was bringing in a new, younger group of ministers who were loyal to him.
In August 2021, Tamim issued a decree to hold the first-ever elections for the Consultative Assembly of Qatar. These elections took place on 2 October 2021. The Assembly has powers to suggest laws and approve budgets.
Protecting Workers' Rights
During Tamim's time as Emir, Qatar has worked to improve conditions for foreign workers. In 2017, two laws were passed to protect workers' rights. These laws included rules about maximum working hours and annual leave. The next year, Sheikh Tamim passed a law that removed exit visas for most migrant workers. This meant they no longer needed their employer's permission to leave the country.
In November 2017, Qatar and the International Labour Organization (ILO) started working together. Their goal was to improve working conditions and labor rights. The ILO opened its first office in Qatar in April 2018.
In August 2020, a new law was passed. It allowed migrant workers to change jobs without needing a "No Objection Certificate" from their employer. This change, along with removing exit permits, helped to end the "kafala system" of sponsorships. In March 2021, Qatar set a monthly minimum wage of 1,000 riyals (about USD 275) for all workers. This made it the first country in the region to do so.
Foreign Relations
Leaders around the world welcomed the young Emir's rise to power. They expected Tamim to continue Qatar's important role in global matters. These included the Syrian crisis and the Darfur agreement.
In his first speech to the nation, Tamim promised that Qatar would continue to play a central role in the region. He also said that Qatar would work closely with its neighbors in the Gulf.
In May 2022, Tamim met with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Iran. The Emir of Qatar expressed his happiness with the visit. He also talked about the importance of working together to solve problems in the region. Tamim discussed economic ties between Iran and Qatar, hoping for better cooperation.
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In late October 2013, Sheikh Tamim visited other countries in the Gulf region. He had already represented his father at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Bahrain in December 2012. He also welcomed leaders to the Arab League Summit in Doha in March 2013.
He has worked to build stronger ties with Saudi Arabia. Tamim believes that rivalry with Saudi Arabia is not helpful. Despite this, Tamim has worked with the GCC to support groups in Syria.
Qatar has also given financial help to political parties in Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.
Relations with Gulf Countries
Since the Arab Spring in 2011, Qatar has worked to increase its influence in the Middle East and North Africa. This includes countries like Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia.
In March 2014, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain withdrew their ambassadors from Qatar for nine months. Diplomatic relations were restored later that year.
On June 5, 2017, a diplomatic crisis began. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, and Bahrain cut ties with Qatar and started a blockade. In January 2021, the Emir signed an agreement that ended the blockade. The nations reopened their borders and airspace to Qatar.
Egypt
Qatar provided financial aid to Egypt during the government of Mohammed Morsi. In August 2013, Qatar joined a U.S.-led effort to help ease tensions in Egypt. Tamim has stated that Qatar does not interfere in Egypt's internal affairs.
On 20 January 2021, Qatar and Egypt agreed to restart diplomatic relations. In March 2021, Qatar's foreign minister invited Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to visit Qatar. Sheikh Tamim met with el-Sisi in Baghdad in August 2021. In June 2022, they met again in Cairo to discuss relations and economic cooperation.
Qatar has denied claims that it supports extremist groups. It states that it supports "legitimate peoples and governments elected whatever the ideology of the ruling group as long as it works on the prosperity and welfare of its people." Tamim himself has also said that Qatar does not support extremists.
In November 2023, Qatar helped make an agreement between Egypt, Israel, and Hamas. This allowed civilians to leave the Gaza Strip. In February 2024, Hamas suggested a deal with Qatar and Egypt helping to release hostages and end the conflict. Leaders like US Secretary Antony Blinken and President Joe Biden praised Emir Tamim for his humanitarian actions. In May 2024, US officials planned to meet with Qatari and Egyptian leaders to restart talks on ending the conflict and releasing hostages.
Syria
Qatar called for other Arab countries to intervene in Syria in 2012. Sheikh Tamim has continued to support Syrian opposition groups. In a speech to the UN in September 2020, he said Qatar would keep supporting efforts for justice in Syria. In 2015, Qatar helped provide weapons to Syrian rebels and formed a new group called "Army of Conquest."
On May 7, 2023, Sheikh Tamim left the Arab League summit before Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's speech. He had previously said that the reasons for Syria's suspension from the Arab League in 2011 were still important.
Russia
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On 13 October 2022, Tamim met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazakhstan. Tamim spoke positively about the relationship between Qatar and Russia. Qatar has also acted as a mediator in talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Turkey
Tamim signed a military cooperation agreement with Turkey in December 2014. This agreement helps with military training and defense. It also allows Turkish forces to be stationed in Qatar and Qatari forces in Turkey.
On 2 December 2015, Tamim signed more agreements with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. These included cooperation in education and transport. They also agreed that Turkey would buy natural gas from Qatar for a long time. They also planned to create a Turkish military base in Qatar.
In August 2018, Qatar promised to invest $15 billion in Turkey. This happened during a time when Turkey was facing economic challenges. On 6 December 2021, Sheikh Tamim welcomed President Erdogan to Doha. They signed 15 agreements on culture, economy, defense, and security.
United Kingdom
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In October 2014, Sheikh Tamim met UK Prime Minister David Cameron and Queen Elizabeth II. This was his first official visit to the UK. Qatar and the UK planned an economic forum to find investment opportunities.
In July 2018, Sheikh Tamim and UK Prime Minister Theresa May signed an agreement. They agreed to share information about terrorism and work together on law enforcement. They also planned to improve security in transport, including airports.
The Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar is home to the Royal Air Force's main base in the Middle East. The UK government has also asked Qatar for a long-term gas deal. This would ensure a steady supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the UK.
Sheikh Tamim and Sheikha Jawaher attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. They also attended the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023. In December 2024, King Charles III and Queen Camilla will host Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim for a state visit.
Europe
Tamim met French president François Hollande in 2014 and 2015. In their second meeting, they signed an agreement for Qatar to buy Rafale jets.
Tamim met French president Emmanuel Macron in 2017. They signed business deals worth over US$14 billion. In their 2018 meeting, Tamim thanked Macron for his support during the Gulf crisis. They met again in 2021. In 2024, Macron and Tamim signed a €10 billion agreement for investment in the French economy.
In May 2022, the Emir visited Europe. He signed energy and investment projects with countries like Spain and Germany. He also spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos for the first time.
In March 2024, Qatar helped Russia and Ukraine talk about reuniting children with their families. Russia returned six children to Ukraine in May 2024 with Qatar's help. In June, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Qatar and met with Tamim. Zelenskyy thanked Qatar for helping Ukrainian children return home.
United States
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In July 2014, Tamim renewed a defense agreement with the U.S. He confirmed Qatar's cooperation with the U.S. at the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) at Al Udeid Air Base.
After visiting U.S. President Barack Obama in February 2015, Tamim wrote that the U.S.-Qatari partnership had grown stronger. He also said he would continue to support efforts to solve challenges in the Middle East.
Sheikh Tamim has been a personal friend of U.S. President Donald Trump. He visited the United States several times during Trump's presidency. They held meetings at the White House.
Tamim helped in talks with Taliban leaders. The United States asked for a Taliban office to be set up in Doha. In June 2013, the Taliban opened their first official office in Qatar. This was part of efforts to reach a peace agreement in Afghanistan. In June 2015, Qatar helped free four Tajikistan soldiers who were kidnapped in Afghanistan.
In July 2017, the US and Qatar signed an agreement to fight the financing of terrorism. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said that the Emir of Qatar had made progress in stopping financial support for terrorist groups.
In July 2019, Sheikh Tamim visited the U.S. to meet President Donald Trump.
In August 2021, U.S. President Joe Biden thanked Tamim for Qatar's help with the US evacuations from Afghanistan. Sheikh Tamim visited Biden at the White House on 31 January 2022. He was the first leader from the Gulf Cooperation Council to visit the White House since Biden took office. They talked about their relationship, global energy supplies, and peace in the Middle East. Biden called Qatar a "good friend and reliable and capable partner." He also named Qatar a major non-NATO ally.
Qatar hosted the signing of a peace deal between the US and the Taliban in February 2020. This deal called for US troops to leave Afghanistan. Since September 2020, Qatar has hosted peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.
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Qatar helped make a deal between the United States and Iran in September 2023. This deal led to the release of five prisoners in each country. It also unfroze US$6 billion of Iranian funds. U.S. President Biden thanked Sheikh Tamim for his role in this mediation.
Palestine
The Israel–Hamas war has affected many parts of the world. Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has said that Qatar supports a two-state solution. This means creating an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He emphasized the importance of international agreements and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Personal Life and Family
- Sheikh Tamim married his first wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, on 8 January 2005. They have four children:
- Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (born 15 January 2006);
- Sheikh Hamad bin Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (born 20 October 2008);
- Sheikha Aisha bint Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (born 24 August 2010); and
- Sheikh Jassim bin Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (born 12 June 2012).
- Sheikh Tamim married a second wife, Sheikha Al-Anoud bint Mana Al Hajri, on 3 March 2009. She is the daughter of Mana bin Abdul Hadi Al Hajri. They have five children:
- Sheikha Naylah bint Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (born 27 May 2010);
- Sheikh Abdullah bin Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (born 29 September 2012);
- Sheikha Rodha bint Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (born January 2014);
- Sheikh Alqaqa'a bin Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (born 3 October 2015); and
- Sheikha Moza bint Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (born 19 May 2018).
- On 25 February 2014, Sheikh Tamim married a third wife, Sheikha Noora bint Hathal Al Dosari. They have four children:
- Sheikh Joa'an bin Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (born 27 March 2015);
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (born 17 July 2017);
- Sheikh Fahad bin Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (born 16 June 2018); and
- Sheikha Hind bint Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (born 5 February 2020).
In total, he has thirteen children born between 2006 and 2020. He has seven sons and six daughters from his three wives.
Tamim enjoys competitive sport. He has been seen playing badminton and bowling. He is very interested in history and his country's traditions. He speaks Arabic, English, and French fluently.
Succession to the Throne
The constitution of Qatar, created in 2005, states that the rule is passed down through the family. It is limited to the descendants of Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The order of who becomes Emir in Qatar is decided by appointments within the House of Al Thani.
The former Emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, named his fourth son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as the next in line on 5 August 2003. This happened after his older son, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who had been the heir between 1996 and 2003, gave up his right to the throne in favor of Sheikh Tamim.
Honours and Awards
National Honours
- Qatar:
Grand Master of the Order of Independence (since 25 June 2013)
Grand Master of the Order of Merit (since 25 June 2013)
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International Honours
- Bahrain:
Member Exceptional Class of the Order of Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa (23 February 2004)
- Brazil:
Grand Collar of the Order of the Southern Cross (12 November 2021)
- Chad:
Grand Cross of the National Order of Chad (13 August 2022)
- Croatia:
Grand Order of King Tomislav (23 April 2017)
- Ecuador:
Grand Collar of the National Order of Merit (30 October 2018)
- France:
Grand Officer of the Order of the Legion of Honour (4 February 2010)
- Italy:
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (16 November 2007)
Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (21 October 2024)
- Kuwait:
Collar of the Order of Mubarak the Great (28 October 2013)
- Oman:
Member 1st Class (Civil division) of the Order of Oman (22 November 2021)
- Pakistan:
Recipient of the Nishan-e-Pakistan (23 June 2019)
- Peru:
Grand Cross of the Order of the Sun of Peru (13 February 2014)
- Poland:
Knight of the Order of the White Eagle (5 July 2024)
- Singapore:
Member 1st Class of the Order of Nila Utama (16 March 2009)
- Spain:
Knight of the Collar of the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic (10 May 2022)
- Sudan:
Collar of Honour (2 April 2014)
- Tunisia:
Grand Cordon of the Order of the Republic (3 April 2014)
- United Arab Emirates:
Collar of the Order of Zayed (6 January 2005)
- United Kingdom:
Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (GCB, 3 December 2024)
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Awards
- Egypt:
- Al-Ahram Newspaper: "Best Sports Personality in the Arab World" – 2006
- International Olympic Committee:
- Olympic Council of Asia: Recipient of the "OCA Award of Merit" – 2007
Images for kids
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Signature of Sheikh Tamim
See also
In Spanish: Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani para niños
