Kuwait’s Emir passes away at 86 after 3 years in power

Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, died on Saturday at the age of 86 due to his deteriorating health condition in the hospital, Kuwait state TV reported, citing the official statement by the Amiri Diwan of Kuwait.

In late November, Sheikh Nawaf was rushed to hospital for an unspecified illness, the state news agency KUNA reported. In the time since, the tiny, oil-rich nation had been waiting for news about his health.

The Emir of Kuwait had previously travelled to Italy for medical checks in the months of May, September and October 2022. Due to his illness, he had transferred most of his powers to his crown prince.

Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was sworn in as the Emir of Kuwait on September 29, 2020, and on October 7 of the same year, he chose Meshal Al-Ahmad as his crown prince.

Kuwait’s deputy ruler and his half-brother, Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, now 83, is believed to be in line to take over as ruler. He studied in Kuwait and at Hendon Military College in England and was the vice-president of the Kuwaiti National Guard.