Members of Qatar's royal family reject emir's policies

Sheikh Sultan commended Saudi Arabia's role in supporting the people of Qatar

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani . Qatar News Agency / Handout via Reuters

Twenty members of the Al Thani family, which rules in Qatar, held an opposition meeting to reject the policies of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad.

“God willing, soon, we will be in Doha in our beloved Qatar,” said Sheikh Sultan bin Suhaim, 33, who hosted the first-of-a-kind gathering to mark his country’s national day.

“Our ancestors have not raised us to backstab … they raised us with honour, manhood, courage, and generosity.”

Sheikh Sultan — who is believed to be residing in Saudi Arabia — praised King Salman of Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their efforts to confront Doha, which is accused of interfering in the internal affairs of other Arab countries.

Read more: Member of Qatari royal family wants to 'purify' country

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut all diplomatic and transport ties with Doha on June 5 because of its support of extremist groups and its interference in other countries' affairs.

In October, Qatari authorities seized Sheikh Sultan’s palace and his assets after he expressed support for Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali, another member of the Qatari royal family, who called on the Qatar leadership to adhere to the demands of the Arab quartet to resolve the crisis. Sheikh Abdullah’s assets were frozen.

Sheikh Sultan said last month that Qatar was under illegitimate rule and must stop funding extremism.

“We bear the responsibility to rescue Qatar,” he said.