Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah died on Saturday, aged 86, according to the royal court, just over three years after assuming power in the US-allied Gulf oil producer. Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Sabah (photo), 83 was named as Sheikh Nawaf’s successor.
According to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the Emir was admitted to hospital late last month due to an emergency health problem.
The Kuwait’s Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, chaired an extraordinary cabinet meeting following the passing away of His Highness the Emir, mourned the late Emir and paid tribute to his achievements.
“With great sorrow, the Council of Ministers expresses deep condolences with the passing away of our father, leader of our march His Highness the Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who passed away following a journey of dedication and loyalty to his nation and its people,” His Highness the Prime Minister said in a somber tone.
The Council of Ministers recalled sacrifices of the deceased during his life for the sake of the development of the nation in all fields and in the services of the country and people.
Kuwait announced 40 days of mourning and a three-day closure of official departments. The Gulf states of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman also announced a three-day mourning nationwide over the Emir’s death.
Kuwait, holder of the world’s seventh-largest oil reserves, borders Saudi Arabia and Iraq, and lies across the Gulf from Iran. It was invaded and occupied by Iraq in 1990, sparking the first Gulf war several months later in 1991 when the US and other nations defeated Iraq and liberated Kuwait.
Since he took over in 2020, Sheikh Nawaf maintained a foreign policy that balanced ties with those neighbors, whilst domestically eight governments were formed under his rule, reported Reuters.
Under Kuwait’s constitution, the Crown Prince automatically becomes Emir but assumes power only after taking an oath in parliament. The new Emir has up to a year to name an Heir.
World leaders paid tribute to Sheikh Nawaf and offered their condolences to his successor, Sheikh Meshal, the Al Sabah family and the people of Kuwait.
