Qatar ruler hands power to son

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Qatar’s ruler formally handed power Tuesday to his 33-year-old son, capping a carefully crafted transition that puts a new generation in charge of the Persian Gulf nation’s energy wealth and rising political influence after the upheavals of the Arab Spring.

The 61-year-old emir, Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, used a televised address to note the importance of shifting leadership to more youthful hands — an indirect acknowledgment of the demands for reforms opened by the uprisings that have swept the region.

Qatar has been a player in the regional turmoil, using its riches to support rebels in Libya and now in Syria. Qatar also has broken ranks with other gulf states to offer help to the Muslim Brotherhood, which rose to political dominance in Egypt. Its influence is further spread by the Al-Jazeera TV network, which it founded.

The Westernbacked gulf Arab dynasties have managed to remain in power, but they have shown insecurity by launching crackdowns that have included arrests over alleged anti-state plots and social media posts deemed insulting to the leadership.

“The future lies ahead of you, the children of this homeland, as you usher into a new era where young leadership hoists the banner,” the departing emir said as he announced the anticipated transition to the British-educated crown prince, Sheik Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

As part of taking on the mantle, Sheik Tamim will start putting together a government that may be in direct contrast to the old guard leaders across the gulf.