Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah has died at 86.

“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 from the royal court on Saturday aired on state television.

Sheikh Nawaf was sworn in in September 2020 after the death of his half-brother, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, in the United States at the age of 91.

He held high office for decades before he took power. Named heir apparent in 2006, he was serving as defence minister when Iraqi troops invaded the oil-rich emirate in 1990. He also worked as interior minister in the face of challenges from armed groups.

Popular within the ruling al-Sabah family, he had a reputation for modesty and largely maintained a low profile.

Last month, the emir was admitted to hospital following an emergency health issue, according to state news agency KUNA.

While the report did not elaborate on the health issue, Sheikh Nawaf has handed over power several times during his rule to his deputy while facing medical checks and other issues. State-run media had previously reported that he travelled to the United States for unspecified medical checks in March 2021.

Source - Al Jazeera

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