World Bulletin/News Desk

The emir of Qatar has issued a royal decree appointing his half-brother as his permanent deputy.

"Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani issued royal decree 4 of 2014 appointing Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani as deputy Emir," Qatar's state-run news agency reported.

In April, the emir issued a royal decree delegating his 26-year-old brother Abdullah to rule in his stead whenever the former is abroad.

Sheikh Abdullah holds a Bachelor's Degree in international politics from the American university of Georgetown.

The Qatari emir has yet to appoint an heir apparent since coming to power in June 2013.