Qatar / History / Modern Times

In the 1950's the main developments for the foundation of a modern state were begun.

Schools began to be built, along with roads, power stations and a hospital.

After the abdication of Sheikh Abdullah in 1949, Qatar was ruled first by Sheikh Ali Al-Thani, then by his son Ahmad until 1972, although Khalifa, the son of Hamad, Sheikh Abdulla's oldest son, was de facto ruler for much of this latter period. During this time the British announced their intention of withdrawing from of all their treaties of protection and defence commitments in the Middle East by 1971. The Gulf States, which had all effectively been guaranteed by these treaties, decided to unite and form a federation of Arab Emirates. This was due to consist of Bahrain, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Qawain and Fujairah. Lengthly negotiations ensued and ultimately Qatar and Bahrain opted for independence from the other states, which subsequently formed the United Arab Emirates in December 1971.

Qatar formulated a constitution in 1970 and formally declared independence on September 3rd, 1971. This date has remained as the country's National Day since then.

In February 1972 it was decided by the Al-Thani family that Khalifa should formally take over as ruler from Ahmad. He reigned from 1972 to mid-1995, when his eldest son and Heir Apparent, Sheikh Hamad, assumed power. During Khalifa's reign, oil revenues increased significantly, due both to increased production and to the dramatic rise in the price of oil. Qatar entered a new phase of substantial prosperity and the population benefitted from this wealth by government establishment of free housing, education and health care for all citizens. Doha grew from a small settlement to a large city within the space of a few years, and the trappings of modern life began to appear throughout the country. It was during this period also that large numbers of expatriate workers were hired to assist in the rapid and dramatic growth and modernisation of the State.

Since 1995, and the assumption of power by Sheikh Hamad, Qatar has opened its doors wider to International investment, and has increased its potential for growth even further.

Various production sharing agreements have brought overseas oil companies back into the country to maximise the potential of reserves, while the discovery and development of the huge gas field to the North East of the country promise to augment the State's national wealth even further. This is particularly crucial at the present time, as falling oil prices threaten to have an adverse impact on the economy. Qatar has always striven to make itself known for sound foreign policy and international diplomacy.

Shortly after the foundation of the State, Qatar joined the United Nations and the Arab League. Shortly afterwards, it became a member of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

These overseas links have been maintained and strengthened during recent years, while internal changes are constantly taking place to modernise the State. The council of Ministers was rationalised shortly after Sheikh Hamad's accession and 1999 will see the first ever municipal council elections. On a local level Qatar, is an active member of the Gulf Cooperation Council and often hosts summits in Doha. The most recent of these was in 1996.

Equally prestigious was the hosting of the 1997 Middle East and North Africa summit, which was attended by many dignitaries, including the American Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

Qatar, in conclusion, has had a long and distinguished history within the context of its strategic position on the Gulf coast. It heads toward the new milennium confident in its prosperity, stable in its political and economic outlook and ready and eager to face the challenges of the next century.