UAE mourns Kuwait Emir’s death

Our Correspondent

At the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE will observe a three-day state mourning following the death of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah with the flag flown at half-mast at all official departments, embassies, and UAE’s diplomatic missions outside the country.

Sheikh Khalifa, the Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and rulers of the Emirates have mourned the death on their social media channels.

In a statement, the Ministry of Presidential Affairs said that that UAE has lost one of the most prominent leaders from the Arab and Islamic nations who made huge contributions to his people and nation, defended Pan-Arabism and Islamic causes sincerely and loyally. He was one of the pioneers of the joint GCC action, along with fellow GCC leaders, who enhanced the GCC journey.

The remains of Sheikh Sabah are expected to arrive in the capital Kuwait City today, on a flight from Minnesota where he had been undergoing treatment in hospital since July. The country has already begun a 40-day national mourning.

According to the royal court, the funeral will be “restricted to the emir’s relatives” probably to avoid large crowds during the coronavirus pandemic.

New Emir sworn in

Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmed Al Sabah, 83, took constitutional oath and became the 16th Emir of Kuwait on September 30 morning.

“I swear to respect the constitution and the laws of the state, provide for the people’s freedoms, interest and money and safeguard the independence of the country and its territorial integrity,” Sheikh Nawaz said reading Article 60 of the Constitution.

The new Emir Sheikh Nawaf is the sixth son of the 10th Ruler from the Al Sabah dynasty, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who ruled Kuwait from 1921 to 1950. Sheikh Nawaf was sworn in as crown prince in 2006, after his half-brother Sheikh Sabah was appointed Emir. Sheikh Nawaf’s first governmental position was in 1961 as governor of Hawalli Governorate. He later served as Minister of Defence and Minister of Interior.

He is popular within the ruling Al Sabah family and is believed to be a consensus choice for ruler. He also enjoys a reputation for modesty and has largely maintained a low profile.