Trusted sources have confirmed that the Qatari emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, is due to meet members of the ruling family and prominent members of the Qatari society on Monday. The planned meeting comes amid news about the intentions of the emir to transfer power to his heir apparent, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. There are several reports about Qatari allies having already been informed of the pending succession, but no date has been given as yet. Sheikh Hamad has been in power since 1995. Since then, Qatar has evolved into an important player on the regional and international political scenes.
