Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah passed away on Saturday at the age of 86, according to the royal court.
“With great sadness and sorrow, we – the Kuwaiti people, the Arab and Islamic nations, and the friendly peoples of the world – mourn the late His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, who passed away to his Lord today,” Minister Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah al-Sabah said on state television on Saturday.
Authorities decreed a 40-day official mourning period, while government departments will shut down for three days.
According to Reuters, Emir Nawaf, who assumed his role in September 2020, was admitted to hospital last month due to an emergency health problem. The state news agency assured the people later that he was in a stable condition.
Sheikh Nawaf was born in 1937 as the fifth son of Kuwait’s ruler from 1921 to 1950, Sheikh Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah. He served as defense minister during the 1990 Iraqi invasion and later as interior minister. He was also governor of the Hawalli province.
Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, 83, has effectively governed Kuwait since 2021. Recently named Sheikh Nawaf’s successor, Sheikh Meshal has been a key figure in Kuwaiti leadership.