Qatar: Syria still top of the diplomatic agenda

The Al-Thani has ruled Qatar only since the mid-19th century. Its rule became entrenched with the end of Ottoman dominance in the Gulf and British recognition of both the Al-Thani and Qatar’s borders, in the face of fierce Saudi claims. With an estimated 7,000 to 20,000 members, the Al- Thani is thought to be the second largest ruling family in the Gulf, after the Al-Saud.