Qatar’s Emir praised on three-year anniversary of power handover

Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani

Yesterday marked the three-year anniversary of one of the most peaceful leadership transitions the Middle East has seen in recent years.

On June 25, 2013, Qatar’s longtime ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani handed over power to his fourth son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

At the time, Sheikh Hamad, now called the Father Emir, said in his final address as leader:

“The time has come to turn a new leaf. You our children are the munitions of these homeland…we have always thought well of you, pinning hopes on you.”

Challenging years

The last three years have been challenging ones for Sheikh Tamim, who has had to deal with the fallout of Qatar’s support of political revolutions in the region and ensuing diplomatic turmoil within the GCC.

The nation is also grappling with plummeting oil prices that have brought about Qatar’s first budget deficit in 15 years.

However, the people of Qatar appear to believe the new Emir is navigating these tests successfully.

Over the past few days on Twitter, hundreds have been posting messages of support for his reign under the hashtags #تميم_بن_حمد (Tamim bin Hamad) and #الذكرى_الثالثة_لتوالي_امير_قطر_الحكم (the third anniversary of the Emir’s rule).

Some tweets, like this one from the Emir’s sister and Qatar Museums chairperson Sheikha Al Mayassa, were simple, just saying “Wishing Qatar the best all year.”

Others wished him a long and successful reign:

https://twitter.com/NALTHNI/status/746779027680145409

Translation: God knows that you are the best progeny (for the best ancestors). We pray to God that acceptance of you on earth endures and love for you in people’s hearts increases.

Translation: We pledge allegiance to you, Tamim, to listen to you obediently and work for the continuous advancement of Qatar.

And some quoted the Emir himself:

Translation: “As a nation, we adhere to our principles and values and do not (refuse to) live on the margins. We don’t roam aimlessly or suffice with being followers.”

Were you here during the handover in 2013? Thoughts?

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