Qatar's Emir Transfers Power to Son - Tuesday June 25,2013

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani , the ruler of Qatar for 18 years, has transferred the "reins of power" to his son on Tuesday June 25,2013

The announcement was made in an address to the nation on Tuesday June 25,2013
"As I address you today, I declare that I will hand over the reins of power to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and I am fully certain that he is up to the responsibility, deserving the confidence, capable of shouldering the responsibility and fulfilling the mission," Sheikh Hamad(61) said.

Qatar has given no official explanation on the transition, but it is widely believed that Sheik Hamad is suffering from health problems

The British-educated crown Prince, Sheik Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, will begin the process of putting together a new Government