Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani – Emir of Qatar
As with Qaboos bin Said Al Said, Sultan of Oman, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani came to power in the only manner really appropriate in an absolute monarchy. That is, by deposing his father. In so doing, he also became the first Emir to be featured in World Leaders in Their Underpants.
Emirs, sultans, kings, it’s doubtless confusing, and it is the earnest hope of World Leaders in Their Underpants that in undressing these supreme rulers we might gain a better understanding of the distinctions. An Emir is a noble species of sheik, an Arab elder. Since the mid-19th Century the Emirs of the proud footballing nation of Qatar have all been members of the al-Thani family.
Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is carefully filed away here with the other specimens of world leadership. Still to come: Emperors! Grand Dukes! Popes! Chairpeople!
