Qatar's internal affairs minister is tipped to replace Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem Al Thani as prime minister, according to sources close to the Qatar emir.
Following an unprecedented transition of power effected on Tuesday, 33 year old Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani replaced his father as emir of Qatar. Sheikh Tamim is expected to announce the reshuffle outcomes of a cabinet reshuffle later this afternoon, when he addresses the nation.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani's move from state minister of internal affairs to prime minister is one of the expected outcomes of the emir's address, Doha-based Al Jazeera television channel and sources close to the emir told AFP.
Sheikh Hamad, in his role as the current prime minister, has been a dyamic figure in Qatar's politics and held the position of foreign minister for 21 years, according to AFP.
His slated replacement, Sheikh Abdullah, is a member of the Al Thani ruling family and has held his title as internal affairs minister since February 2005.
Additional rumours circulating about deputy premier Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud to getting the PM position have lost traction as insiders do not expect the position to be given to someone outside the ruling family.
The new emir's reshuffle is believed to include the appointment of a new ministers for the interior, foreign affairs, finance, and commerce, sources told AFP.
The insiders added that energy minister Mohammed Al Sada will remain in his position, with Attorney General Ali bin Fetais Al Marri slated to become the new minister of justice, according to AFP.
None of the chnages are anticipated to impact the relationship between Qatar and the US.
The full details of the cabinet reshuffle is expected to be announced when Sheikh Tamim will mark his official enthronement as the new emir late Wedneday. The address was slated to be held at 6:00pm local time (1500 GMT).
