The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, has passed away at the age of 86, the Minister of the Emir’s Court, Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al-Sabah, announced. His cause of death has not been disclosed.
Deputy ruler and half-brother Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, 83, is believed to be his successor, but there is no official confirmation yet. Sheikh Nawaf took over the role of Emir in September 2020 following the death of his half-brother Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah.
His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Emir of Kuwait, has passed away, Amiri Diwan newspaper announced on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/9y4ap1LLu2
— Kuwait Times (@kuwaittimesnews) December 16, 2023
#breaking news: #Kuwait Government declares three-day holiday and 40-day mourning period following Sheikh Nawaf’s death pic.twitter.com/YequXd6xTU
— Saudi Gazette (@Saudi_Gazette) December 16, 2023
Following the news, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared a three-day period of national mourning and ordered the flag to be flown at half-mast.
of #United Arab Emirates president, @MohamedBinZayed On Saturday, a three-day period of national mourning was declared following the death of Kuwait’s Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah.
detail: https://t.co/9ObCGqpDb8#Kuwait #sheikhnawaf pic.twitter.com/q0MdU9PA2F
— Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) December 16, 2023
Condolences poured in from leaders around the world, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Known for his six decades of service to Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf had a reputation for his humility and conciliarity, earning him the nickname “Sheikh of Amnesty.”
Please login. Please login. Please login. قد كان الراحل الكبير قائدًا حكيمًا قام بدور كبير في تعزيز العلاقات الإمارا Thank you very much.
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) December 16, 2023
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the government and people of Kuwait on the passing of Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and the entire nation and pray for God’s eternal peace.
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) December 16, 2023
#breaking news: #Saudi ArabiaKing Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed their condolences. #KuwaitOn the death of Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad, the family and people of Al Sabah pic.twitter.com/NmG9NUK41N
— Saudi Gazette (@Saudi_Gazette) December 16, 2023
Prime minister @RishSunak expressed deep condolences to the people of Kuwait and the Al Sabah family on the passing of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Emir of Kuwait. pic.twitter.com/VxnbCCgU8a
— British Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) December 16, 2023
Sheikh Nawaf, who faced economic challenges during his tenure, particularly falling oil prices, overcame the crisis and dealt with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Kuwait’s economy. His likely successor, Sheikh Meshal, plays a role in government decisions and is said to be both an insider and an outsider.
We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Emir of Kuwait. Pakistan stands in solidarity with the Kuwaiti Royal Family and the people of Kuwait at this moment of sadness. May Allah SWT bless the departed souls…
— Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar (@anwaar_kakar) December 16, 2023
I am deeply saddened by the passing of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmed Al Sabah, Emir of Kuwait. His accomplishments of leadership and service will be remembered not only by our nation but by people around the world. I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the people of Kuwait during this period of mourning.
— Dima Alyahya (@Dalyahya) December 16, 2023
Sheikh Nawaf’s health has been a concern since he was hospitalized with an unspecified illness in late November. The emir had previously delegated power during his medical examination and had traveled to the United States in March 2021 for health reasons.
#breaking news: #Kuwait The cabinet appoints Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabakwaet. pic.twitter.com/wochcxX1B9
— Saudi Gazette (@Saudi_Gazette) December 16, 2023
Born in 1937, Sheikh Nawaf began his political career at the age of 25 as Governor of Hawari Governorate, holding various important positions and contributing to Kuwait’s political situation.
