Doha: Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was announced Amir of Qatar after his 61-year-old father, Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani abdicated as leader of the gas-rich Gulf state in June 2013.
Sheikh Hamad's abdication broke the mould of Gulf politics, where rulers traditionally remain on the throne until they die.
Sheikh Tamim, 36, presents a younger face as ruler, at odds with the older generations in neighbouring states.
Nevertheless, under Shaikh Tamim's rule Qatar has continued on the path set by his father, with his mother, Shaikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, remaining one of the key driving forces in the country's politics.
Shaikh Tamim took over from his father, whose 18-year rule was marked by the emergence of Qatar as an influential player on both the Gulf and world stage.
Also read: Shaikha Mozah: The woman behind Qatar's success
His elevation marked the confirmation of the Al Thani dynasty's grip on power in Qatar and also a sign that the country needs stability and growth in future years.
Sheikh Tamim was born in Doha in 1980, the fourth son of Shaikh Hamad.
He became the Gulf state's heir apparent in 2003 after his older brother Jasim renounced his claim to the throne.
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(All Image credit: Facebook)
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