Sheikh Khalifa preceded Sheikh Hamad as Emir of Qatar. Sheikh Khalifa ruled Qatar from 1972 to 1995, when he was overthrown by his son, Sheikh Hamad. Sheikh Hamad then ruled Qatar until 2013, when he abdicated in favor of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Exploring the Reign of Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani: The Extraordinary Emir of Qatar