Kuwait has announced the succession of Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah as the new emir, following the passing of the late Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah at the age of 86.
The royal court disclosed that Sheikh Nawaf had been admitted to the hospital last month due to an emergency health issue, and the cause of his death has not been immediately revealed.
Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal, 83, has been serving as Kuwait’s de facto ruler since 2021, having assumed many duties from Sheikh Nawaf due to the latter’s declining health. According to Kuwait’s constitution, the crown prince automatically ascends to the position of emir, with the formal assumption of power requiring an oath in parliament. The new emir has up to a year to appoint an heir, a decision closely watched as a younger generation within Kuwait’s ruling family seeks to secure influential positions.
World leaders expressed condolences, with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledging Sheikh Nawaf as a great friend of the United Kingdom, and Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighting the late emir’s wise leadership and his significant role in strengthening UAE-Kuwait relations.
“May God have mercy on Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and cover him with his vast mercy and forgiveness, and sincere condolences and deep sympathy to the honorable Al-Sabah family and the brotherly Kuwaiti people in this great affliction. The late great was a wise leader who played a major role in strengthening UAE-Kuwaiti relations and supporting joint Gulf action,” Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed wrote.
