Qatar’s new Amir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, appointed on 2 June Ahmad al-Sayyid as the new chief of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the Gulf state’s $100-200bn sovereign wealth fund. Mr Sayyid replaces outgoing Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and architect of Qatar’s activist foreign policy, Shaikh Hamad bin Jasim Al Thani – who also lost his position on the QIA board of directors. The Amir Tamim will retain his position as chairman of the board at QIA, while his brother was designated vice-chairman.

Shaikh Hamad will likely remain influential owing to his great personal wealth and family ties. (CONTINUED - 373 WORDS)