Qatar's Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani (R) stands next to his son Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani before the Emir Cup final match between Al-Sadd and Al-Rayyan at Khalifa stadium in Doha May 18, 2013. REUTERS/Fadi Al-Assaad
DUBAI (Reuters) - Qatar's outgoing emir wanted to abdicate while he was still able to help his 33-year-old heir consolidate his authority, so ensuring minimal discord inside a family with a long record of palace intrigue.
While no one other than outgoing emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani can know his full motivations, foremost among them appears to have been a need for stability in a dynasty that has ruled for more than 130 years.
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