Remembering Sheikh Nawaf Kuwait Grieves the Death of its Emir at the Age of 86
Oil-rich Kuwait mourns the passing of Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who led the Gulf nation for three years. The royal court announced the news, stating that Sheikh Nawaf, aged 86, passed away after being admitted to the hospital in November.
“With great sadness and sorrow, we mourn… the death of Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait,” the court declared in a statement broadcast on a Kuwaiti news channel.
Sheikh Nawaf’s health had been a concern during his term due to his age. Named crown prince in 2006 by his half-brother Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, he assumed the role of emir in September 2020 when Sheikh Sabah passed away at the age of 91. During his tenure, Sheikh Nawaf navigated the Kuwaiti economy through the challenges posed by a significant fall in oil prices in 2020.
The incumbent crown prince, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, another half-brother of the late emir, is 83. The succession will be closely watched to see whether a ruler from the younger generation will be chosen by the family.
Kuwait, a conservative country with a powerful parliament, faces challenges arising from standoffs between elected lawmakers and cabinet ministers, hindering development efforts and causing concerns among investors. Political deadlock and frequent changes in governments and parliaments have led to delays in necessary reforms and blocked development projects, leaving infrastructure and education in disrepair and contributing to public discontent.
Born in 1937, Sheikh Nawaf was the fifth son of Kuwait’s late ruler Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. His political career began at the age of 25 as the governor of Hawalli province. He later served as the interior minister for a decade from 1978.
