Qatar's emir has named his influential foreign minister and cousin as prime minister, replacing another family member said to be "tired" of the job.

The appointment was announced minutes after state media reported that Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa had resigned.

New PM Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem is the mastermind of Qatar's foreign policies.

Sheikh Abdullah, 48, is a brother of the Emir, Hamad bin Khalifa, who has ruled since 1995.

No official reason was given for his resignation, but political observers said it did not come as a surprise after persistent reports Sheikh Abdullah was "tired" of the job.

Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem, on the other hand, has been seen as one of the most influential figures in Qatari politics for years, observers say.

He moves from first deputy premier, and will keep his foreign affairs portfolio, Qatar's official news agency said.

In the last 12 years, Qatar has pursued eye-catching initiatives in the conservative Gulf region, including establishing the Arab world's premier TV news network, al-Jazeera.

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Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem