KUWAIT CITY (Updated on Dec 17, 2023) — Kuwait experienced a swift transition to a new emir on Saturday following the death of Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah at 86, after a three-year reign.
He was succeeded by his half-brother, Sheikh Meshal, who, at 83, takes the helm of the oil-rich Gulf kingdom, as reported by state television.
Sheikh Meshal, having assumed key constitutional duties of the emir in 2021, spent most of his career in Kuwait’s security and intelligence sectors, maintaining distance from the royal family’s internal disputes.
His predecessor’s tenure, though brief, was tumultuous, marked by political unrest and economic challenges due to falling oil prices, leaving Kuwait trailing behind its affluent Gulf neighbors, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Also Read Kuwait emir Sheikh Al-Sabah dead at 86, says royal court
State TV interrupted regular programming for a Quranic recital before announcing Sheikh Nawaf’s death.
Public offices will close for three days, and a 40-day mourning period was declared.
“With great sadness and sorrow, we mourn… the death of Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait,” a state TV statement announced.
He (Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah) will be remembered for his unique personal qualities: soft-spoken, devout, modest, low-profile.
Bader al-Saif, Kuwait University
Sheikh Nawaf was hospitalized in November for an unspecified “emergency,” but was reported to be stable. He was laid to rest on Sunday after a funeral prayer led by the new Emir Sheikh Meshal.
“The smooth and orderly succession process…is a testament to Kuwait’s mature political system,” noted Abdullah Al Shayji, a political science professor at Kuwait University, on social media.
‘Devout, Modest’
Born in 1937, Sheikh Nawaf ascended as emir in September 2020 following the death of another half-brother, Sheikh Sabah, at 91.
He (Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah) served his country for six decades with utmost sincerity.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai
Kuwait boasts the most active and influential parliament in the Gulf.
However, repeated clashes between elected lawmakers and ruling family-appointed cabinet ministers have impeded development and deterred investors.
Sheikh Nawaf’s reign was marked by three parliamentary elections in as many years, with five different government cabinets formed in 2023 alone.
The smooth and orderly succession process…is a testament to Kuwait’s mature political system.
Abdullah Al Shayji, Kuwait University
This political stalemate has stalled essential reforms and hindered development projects, leading to deteriorating infrastructure and education systems, and widespread public dissatisfaction.
Sheikh Nawaf was known for issuing numerous amnesties for political prisoners, earning him the moniker “emir of pardons.”
“He will be remembered for his unique personal qualities: soft-spoken, devout, modest, low-profile,” said Bader al-Saif, a history professor at Kuwait University.
Condolences poured in globally.
“He served his country for six decades with utmost sincerity,” stated Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, on X.
Saudi Arabia’s royal court expressed shared sorrow with Kuwait, while Qatar’s emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani described his passing as “painful.” Oman announced three days of mourning.
#Kuwait's crown prince, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah, was named the #oil-rich country's new emir after the death on Saturday of his predecessor Sheikh Nawaf, state television reported. @MOInformation pic.twitter.com/45PNk2u8Wo
— TRENDS (@mena_trends) December 16, 2023
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, expressed deep sadness over the passing of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi remarked, “Today, we mourn a great and loyal leader who dedicated his life to his country and people. His decades-long service significantly enhanced Kuwait’s regional and international stature. He also played a key role in advancing the Gulf Cooperation Council.”
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak referred to the sheikh as “a great friend of the UK,” and the Kremlin acknowledged his significant influence in the Middle East.
‘Insider-Outsider’
As the father of 12, Sheikh Meshal ascends as Kuwait’s 17th ruler. He faces the task of appointing a new crown prince within a year, amid speculation about choosing a younger generation successor.
“The crown prince selection will mirror internal ruling family dynamics,” al-Saif noted. “Whether or not Kuwait experiences its first generational shift in decades, the country must deliver on various fronts.”
Meshal served as the deputy chief of the Kuwait National Guard from 2004 to 2020 and was named crown prince when Sheikh Nawaf assumed power.
His extensive career in the interior ministry includes leading the department of general investigation from 1967 to 1980, where he played a key role in enhancing its function as a state security service.
“With a career in the security bureau and national guard, Sheikh Meshal is an insider-outsider,” al-Saif commented on X.
“He was ‘in the room’ with 3 of the past 4 emirs on daily matters without being in government,” he added. In 2016, Sheikh Meshal traveled abroad for a “successful operation,” though the specifics of the treatment were not disclosed.
Tributes pour in KUWAIT CITY -- The world is mourning the passing of the Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who died on Saturday at the age of 86. Leaders from across the globe have extended their condolences and declared periods of mourning in honor of the late emir. Bahraini King's Tribute King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain expressed his condolences, remembering the late emir's contributions to his people and the Arab and Islamic nations. The Bahraini Royal Court declared three days of official mourning and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast. GCC and Arab League's Condolences GCC Secretary General Jassem Al-Budaiwi and Arab League Secretary-General Ahmad Abul-Gheit offered their deep condolences. Abul-Gheit praised the late emir as a symbol of tolerant humanity and commended his efforts in joint Arab action. Palestinian and Iraqi Leaders' Sorrow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid voiced their sadness, with Abbas noting the late emir's support for the Palestinian cause. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Al-Sudani and Acting Parliament Speaker Mohsen Al-Mandalawi also extended their heartfelt condolences. Jordanian and Omani Mourning The Jordanian Royal Court, led by King Abdullah, declared seven days of mourning. Sultan Haitham Bin Tareq of Oman ordered three days of mourning, highlighting the late emir's role in the progress of Arab and Muslim nations. OIC and World Muslim League's Tributes OIC Secretary General Hussein Taha and World Muslim League Secretary General Mohammad Al-Essa paid tribute to Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad's contributions to Kuwait's development and stability. Funeral Prayer in Absentia UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has directed that funeral prayers in absentia (Salat al-Gha'ib) be performed for the late Emir of Kuwait. The Presidential Court announced that these prayers will take place following Sunday noon prayers in all mosques across the country. Iranian President's Condolences Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi expressed his condolences to the Kuwaiti leadership and people. Raisi, in a statement cited by the presidency website, extended his sympathies to the new emir Sheikh Meshal, and the Al-Sabah family. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian also conveyed his condolences. Algerian President's Tribute Algerian President Abdulmajid Tabboune offered his deepest condolences, noting in a letter that Kuwait had bid farewell to a "dear brother" who led the nation to further development and sustainability. Yemeni Leaders Remember Sheikh Nawaf Yemeni Prime Minister Maeen Saeed and Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Al-Alimi praised the late emir's wise leadership and his support for Yemen and its people, especially during challenging times. A Period of Mourning The Emiri Diwan of Kuwait announced a 40-day mourning period for the late emir, who was known for his wisdom and humanity. His death marks the end of a significant era in Kuwait's history, with leaders worldwide recognizing his contributions to regional stability and development.
Late Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah's Profile Background and Role * Served as Kuwait's emir for three years. * Held senior positions in the House of Sabah during its tumultuous rule over the oil-rich state. * Died at the age of 86. Key Positions and Historical Events * Defence Minister during Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, leading to the Gulf War. * Interior Minister during the 2005 militant threat in Kuwait. * Known for his low-key and popular style. Ascent to Emir * Named crown prince in 2006 by half-brother Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. * Became emir following the death of Sheikh Sabah in September 2020. * Displayed visible emotion at his swearing-in ceremony. Personal Attributes * Remembered for being soft-spoken, devout, modest, and low-profile. Early Life and Career * Born in 1937, the fifth son of Sheikh Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah. * Started political career at 25 as governor of Hawalli province. * Served as interior minister and then as defence minister. Economic and Diplomatic Challenges as Emir * Faced economic crisis due to falling oil prices and the Covid-19 pandemic. * Kuwait's credit rating was cut in 2020. * Maintained a hardline stance on Israel and balanced relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Succession and Family Dynamics * Succeeded by Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, another half-brother, at the age of 83. * Speculation about a younger ruler and internal family divisions. * Kuwait's constitution requires the ruler to be a descendant of Mubarak Al-Sabah. * Break in the traditional alternation of the throne between the Salem and Jaber branches of the family.
(With agency inputs)