Kuwait Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad passed away at 91, the Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan, Sheikh Ali Al Jarrah Al Sabah, announced on Kuwait TV today.
Sheikh Sabah ruled Kuwait since 2006 and steered its foreign policy for more than 50 years. His designated successor is his brother, Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah. “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.