DOHA, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani declared on Monday that he decided to hand over power to his son Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa al Thani, al-Jazeera TV reported.
"Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al Thani wrapped up a meeting with the royal family, in which he announced he is to make way for his crown prince", reported the Qatar-based news channel.
The pan-Arab TV did not mention any further details about the time of enthronement. However, it said the head of state is due to deliver a speech to the nation on Tuesday morning.
The outgoing monarch came to throne on June 27, 1995, and has led his small but gas-rich country through a significant political and diplomatic progress.