Kuwait’s Emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah, has died at the age of 91, reports said.
“With the utmost sadness and grief for the Kuwaiti people, the Islamic and Arab world and people of friendly nations, the Emiri Diwan mourns the death of Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, the emir of Kuwait,” his office said.
The Emir was admitted to hospital on July 18 for medical checks and then, a day later, underwent a successful surgery. On July 23, the Emir was flown to the United States to complete his medical treatment. The Emir’s office did not disclose the reason for the surgery or details of what treatment the Emir was going to receive in the US.
He had ruled the Gulf Arab state since 2006 and had overseen its foreign policy for more than 50 years.
Sheikh Sabah came to power in January 2006, after Emir Sheikh Saad al-Abdullah stepped down. He had been prime minister under the previous Emir, Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, and for several years had been seen as the de facto ruler.
Earlier, he served as foreign minister from 1963 to 1991 and from 1992 to 2003.
Kuwait has been ruled by the Sabah family for the past 260 years.
