- Archeological discoveries, inscriptions and a collection of exquisite pottery which were found in scattered areas in the country have proven that the land of Qatar was populated as early as 4000 BC.

-In the 5th century BC the Greek historian Herodotus referred to the seafaring Canaanites as the original inhabitants of Qatar. Further, the geographer Ptolemy showed in his map of the Arab World "Qatara" as believed to refer to the Qatari town of "Zubara", which has acquired the fame of being one of the most important trading ports in the Gulf region at the time.

-Qatar played an important role in the Islamic civilization when its inhabitants participated in the formation and provision of the first naval fleet, which was assembled to transport the army during the Islamic conquests.

-Under the Abbasid State during the 8th century AH (the 14th century AD), Qatar experienced great economic prosperity as can be gleaned from the inscriptions of (Murwab) Fort on the western coast of the peninsula, which bears the marks of the Abbasid architectural style.

-During the 16th century AD, the Qataris aligned with the Turks to drive out the Portuguese. Subsequently, Qatar alongside with the whole regions of the Arabian Peninsula came under the Ottoman Empire rule for about four successive centuries.

-In the aftermath of the 1914 First World War, the Turkish rule in Qatar came to an end and Qatar signed a protection treaty with Britain in 1916. However, the British influence in the country was limited to supervision of some administrative matters.

-In the early 18th century, Qatar was ruled by the Al-Thani family, who take their name from their ancestor, Thani, father of Skeikh Mohammad Bin Thani, who was the first Sheikh to rule over the Qatari peninsula during the mid 19th century.

-The Al-Thani family was among a tribal group who settled for a long time at the "Gibrin" oasis in the southern Najd, before their arrival at Qatar during the early 18th century. It is a branch of the Bani Tamim tribe, whose descent can be traced back to Mudar Bin Nizar. Initially they settled in Zubara in the north of the peninsula, moving to Doha in the mid 19th century under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Thani.

-In 1878 Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammad succeeded his father Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani.

-In 1913 Sheikh Abdallah bin Jassim, came to power. It was in his time when oil was first discovered in Qatar.

-In 1940 Sheikh Hamad Bin Abdullah ruled Qatar until 1948.

-In 1949 Sheikh Ali bin Abdallah came to power and ruled until 1960. And in that year, Sheikh Ahmad Bin Ali ruled Qatar and his reign continued until 1972.

-In 1972, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani ruled the country. On September 3rd, 1971 Qatar became independent.

-In 1995 Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani assumed power with the support and blessings of the ruling family and the Qatari people.

Biography of the Late Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani- Founder of the Modern State of Qatar (1826-1913)

Following is a biography of the late Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani:

- Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar and founder of the modern Qatar descended from Tamim tribe.

- He was born in 1242 A.H. corresponding to 1826.

- He acquired full capability in the management of the country's affairs since his youth and succeeded in guiding its policies with wisdom and steered the country during a period that witnessed major events and changes.

- At the local level, he sought to turn Qatar into a single unified and independent entity. Under his leadership, Qatar emerged as a coherent and stable country whose tribes he assembled to usher its future and thus consolidating its existence and borders.

- He adopted a wise policy in dealing with the two major powers competing to dominate the Arabian Gulf and its territories, namely the British Empire, which had started to extend its influence through the Government of India, and the Ottoman Empire, which was seeking to retain its control of the region following the demise of the Portuguese influence in the 16th century.

- In April 1871, the expedition sent by Medhet Pash, the Ottoman governor of Baghdad, to Eastern Arabia arrived. The British influence was concentrated in areas adjacent to Qatar. Sheikh Jassim concluded that a balance had to be struck corresponding to such influence. He asked the Ottoman administration in Ahsaa to consolidate its presence, which materialized in December 1871. The Ottomans used Albidaa Fortress as headquarters of their military garrison.

- Medhet Pasha, , under whose direct administration the Gulf region was placed, welcomed Sheikh Jassim's initiative and granted him the post of governor of Qatar in 1876 and the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhameed granted him a high civil rank in 1888 and promoted him to a higher one in 1893, causing tangible tension in the relations with Britain and almost continuous struggle with it hereinafter.

- December 18th 1878 was the turning point when Sheikh Jassim took power. It is also the inception of the modern State of Qatar achieved as a result of Sheikh Jassim's assiduous efforts that led to gaining full recognition by both powers of Qatar's independence.

- Sheikh Jassim adamantly opposed Ottoman attempts to increase Ottoman influence in Qatar through appointing administrative personnel in Alzubara, Doha, Wakra and Khor Aladaid, establishing a customs office and reinforcing the Ottoman garrison. As a result, a military confrontation followed and a crucial battle broke out with Qataris led by Sheikh Jassim. He and his troops, composed of Qatari tribes, fought bravely, inflicted defeat on the Ottoman troops and achieved victory. The site of Alwajba Battle of 25 March 1893 was 15 kilometers west of Doha. The battle was a turning point in Qatar's history.

- The bravery and valiance of the political and military leadership was clear despite the larger number of Ottoman troops and their better armaments, leading the people of Qatar to stand behind the leader against his enemies' attempts to harm Qatar's independence. People's support of their leader has been engraved in the conscience of successive generations.

- Sheikh Jassim's reign was characterized by security, justice and prosperity. The country underwent total revival and prosperity in all domains of life and economy in the country. This was quite clearly reflected in pearl fishing and trading. Qatar became a major exporter and trader in pearls.

- Means of marine transport developed and the harbor became ready for the growth of exports, imports and distribution. The number of ships working in the fields of trade, pearl fishing and transport doubled; jobs and resources became diversified; markets expanded; the population grew and urbanization spread.

- Sheik Jassim died on July 17the 1913 ending a fruitful and memorable life. He was succeeded by his son Sheikh Abdulla bin Jassim Al Thani.

The State of Qatar marks its National Day on 18th December each year. This is the date when the late Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, the founder of modern State of Qatar, took over power in 1878.