Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the ruler of Qatar for 18 years, has transferred the “reins of power” to his son. The outgoing emir made the announcement to hand over power to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, 33, in an address to the nation on Tuesday. “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. Live television footage after the speech finished showed Sheikh Hamad and his son smiling widely, being greeted with traditional embraces by dignitaries and prominent members of the Qatari society. Sheikh Hamad had met royals a day earlier, where he announced the transition plans after weeks of speculation of his abdication. “God Almighty is aware that I had not desired power for the sake of power, nor endeavoured to rule for personal motives,” the outgoing emir said. “It has always been the nation’s interest … that we lead through a new chapter.” Sheikh Tamim has been groomed for the position since 2003, when his elder brother stepped aside.