Report: New Qatar Emir Taps Domestic Chief for PM Qatar-based Al-Jazeera television reports that the Gulf state's new ruler will pick the country's top domestic affairs official as prime minister. Qatar had no official statements Wednesday, but Al-Jazeera was founded by Qatar's government and often reflects internal policies. Such a move would mark the first major decision by Qatar's new emir, the 33-year-old Sheik Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who assumed power Tuesday after his father stepped down. The choice of Sheik Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani for the prime minister post could hint at a greater emphasis on internal issues, such as development projects, after aggressive outward-looking policies and investments. For years, the international face of Qatar has been its influential prime minister, Sheik Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, who also serves as foreign minister.