Qatar has been preparing for major leadership transitions in its body, Arab and Western diplomats say

The Persian Gulf state of Qatar has been preparing for major leadership transitions in its body, Arab and Western diplomats say.

On Monday, senior figures said that Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, who also serves as the foreign minister, is preparing to step down.

The Persian Gulf State’s prime minister’s resignation seems to be part of a larger transition. There are reports that the Emir — Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani — is also expected to give up power to crown prince Sheikh Tamim.

Despite briefing foreign counterparts in the US, Britain, France as well as key regional countries including Saudi Arabia and Iran about the plan, officials in Qatar did not release an exact timetable for the succession.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa who is struggling with health problems seized power from his father in a bloodless coup in 1995.