In a speech broadcast on Qatar television, Qatar's Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani announced that he will transfer power to his son Sheikh Tamim.

Sheikh Hamad, 62, said it was time for "a new generation to take over."

Addressing the nation on what is a national holiday, Sheikh Hamad said: "I announce handing the rule over to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and I am sure you will support Sheikh Tamim as you have done to me".

On Tuesday and Wednesday, both Sheikh Hamad and Sheikh Tamim are expected to receive Qatari citizens who want to "swear allegiance" to the new emir.

Diplomats had said the 61-year-old emir had long planned to abdicate in favor of his 33-year-old Crown Prince.

In 2003, Qatar's Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani named Sheikh Tamim- born in 1980- his second son by his second wife Sheikha Moza bint Nasser - as his heir apparent. He replaced his elder brother, Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani.