Qatari emir to meet ruling family members
Move comes amid reports about Sheikh Hamad’s intentions to transfer power to heir apparent, Sheikh Tamim.
Trusted sources have confirmed to Al Jazeera that the Qatari emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, is due to meet members of the ruling family and prominent members of the Qatari society on Monday.
The planned meeting comes amid news about the intentions of the emir to transfer power to his heir apparent, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
There are several reports about Qatari allies having already been informed of the pending succession, but no date has been given as yet.
Sheikh Hamad has been in power since 1995. Since then, Qatar has evolved into an important player on the regional and international political scenes.
Abdullah al Athbah, the managing editor of Al Arab newspaper, told Al Jazeera he believed that the current Emir would remain as an adviser should he transfer power.
He added that he did not expect to see a change in policy should the succession happen.
“The heir apparent has been very close to his father and Sheikh Jassim,” he said, referring to the Prime Minister. “I don’t think there will be a big change in policy, foreign or domestic.”