Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah of Kuwait dies at 86

The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, has passed away at the age of 86, as announced by the state's Amiri Diwan on Saturday. The minister of his Emiri court, Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al Sabah, conveyed the news, expressing deep sorrow on behalf of the Kuwaiti people and the international community.

Kuwait's state TV interrupted regular programming with Quranic verses, indicating a significant event in the royal family, before the official announcement.

In late November, Sheikh Nawaf was hospitalized for an unspecified illness, following earlier medical checks in the United States in March 2021. Sworn in as Emir in 2020 after the death of Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Sheikh Nawaf's passing evokes a profound sense of loss, particularly given Sheikh Sabah's reputation for diplomacy and peacemaking in the region.

Born in 1937, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah was the fifth son of Kuwait's ruler from 1921 to 1950, Sheikh Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah. His political journey began at 25 as the governor of Hawalli province, and he later served as interior minister for a decade starting in 1978.

As the world's oldest crown prince at 83, Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber is poised to succeed Sheikh Nawaf as Kuwait's ruler, following a legacy of service and leadership in the country.