Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf Passes Away at 86 After 3 Years in Office

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah passed away at age 86 after ruling for three years. The Kuwaiti state TV reported his death on Saturday with an aired statement expressing deep sorrow. Prior to the announcement, the network switched to Quranic recitations.

Health issues had been a concern for Sheikh Nawaf, who was hospitalized in November due to an unspecified emergency. Named crown prince in 2006, he succeeded his half-brother Sheikh Sabah in 2020 and faced economic challenges during a downturn in oil prices.

Attention now turns to the succession process and whether it will usher in a younger leader. The 83-year-old Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Sabah is poised to take the helm. Kuwait, known for its active parliament, has seen legislative and executive tensions hinder progress and deter investment.

The government has seen instability, with five cabinets in one year, leading to reform delays and decay in infrastructure and education. Sheikh Nawaf, born in 1937, began his political journey as governor of Hawalli at 25 and later served a decade as interior minister.