The order of succession as the Ruler of Qatar is determined by appointments within the Al Thani family.
The current Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani () has appointed his fourth son as Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani () on 8 August 2003, after his older brother Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani renounced his rights in his favour.