People & Lifestyle Kuwait’s emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmed passes away By Frank Praverman December 16, 2023, 2:03 PM Reuters/Stephanie McGehee Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah pictured in 2006. Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah has succeeded him as Kuwait's leader Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah takes over Sheikh Nawaf in power for 3 years 40 days of mourning announced Kuwait’s emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah passed away on Saturday. He was 86. Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah has been named as his successor. Sheikh Meshal has been Kuwait’s de facto ruler since 2021 due to Sheikh Nawaf’s frail health. The country has announced 40 days of mourning and a three-day closure of official departments. Sheikh Nawaf became emir in September 2020 following the death of his brother, Sheikh Sabah, who had ruled for more than a decade. “With great sadness and sorrow, we mourn the death of Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah,” a statement on state TV said. Kuwait has the world’s sixth-largest known oil reserves.
