The ruling emir of oil-rich Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, died on Saturday aged 86, the royal court said, after three years in power marked by repeated political disputes.
“With great sadness and sorrow, we mourn… the death of Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait,” said a statement aired on state television.
The channel had cut its regular programming and switched to a broadcast of a Koranic recital before the announcement.
In November, Sheikh Nawaf was hospitalised “due to an emergency health problem”, according to the official KUNA news agency. It did not provide details about his illness, but he was later declared to be in stable condition.
Given his age, concerns about his health were commonplace during his rule.
Sheikh Nawaf ascended to the role of crown prince in 2006, appointed by his half-brother Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. He assumed the position of emir upon Sheikh Sabah’s death in September 2020 at the age of 91.
In 2020, Sheikh Nawaf faced the challenge of navigating the economy through a crisis triggered by a fall in oil prices.
The current crown prince, Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, another half-brother, is 83 years old. Attention is now focused on whether the family will appoint a younger generation ruler.
Around 14 months after he was appointed emir, Sheikh Nawaf transferred key constitutional duties to Sheikh Mishal.
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