DUBAI: Kuwait鈥檚 prime minister-designate Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah will serve as the emir鈥檚 deputy when the latter is not in the country, state news agency KUNA said on Sunday, citing a royal decree.

Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who was sworn in December, has yet to choose a crown prince, who would usually be his deputy.

The Emir selected Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad after the cabinet鈥檚 resignation earlier this month. 

The expected move comes after a new parliament was elected and is a procedural one as the current government has to submit its resignation before the legislature鈥檚 inauguration.