Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani

Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani is Qatar's deputy prime minister and minister of state for defence affairs. He entered both Cabinet posts after leading the Amiri Diwan, the office that supports the emir and coordinates senior state business.

His earlier career spans the armed forces, diplomacy and sport. He served as an engineer in the Qatari Armed Forces, represented Qatar as ambassador to Germany and led the Qatar Olympic Committee as secretary-general. He holds an electrical-engineering degree and a master's degree in sports management. As defence-affairs minister, he represents Qatar in regional security planning and oversees a portfolio distinct from the foreign ministry. That combination of military, court and diplomatic experience explains his place in negotiations over defence cooperation.