Shaikh Ali Bin Abdullah Al-Thani, who was born around 1896, became the Ruler of Qatar following the abdication of Shaikh Abdullah in favour of him on 20 August 1948.

On 31 December 1949, the first shipment of onshore Qatari oil was made from Mesaieed terminal making Qatar’s entry into the oil age.

On 1 September 1952, a new Agreement was also signed between him and the Iraq Petroleum Company (later Qatar Petroleum Company). Under the terms of these agreements, which Qatar acquired 50 per cent of profits from oil exports.

In line with the exploration of oil in Qatar, Shaikh Ali took steps to establish an effective administrative system to manage oil economy.

While Ronald Cochrane was commissioned to organize an effective police force, Phillip Plant, a former British Royal Air Force officer was appointed in January 1950, as adviser to the Ruler.

In August 1950, Britain appointed Arthur John Wilton as the first Political Officer in Qatar.

He died on 31 August 1974.