KUWAIT CITY: Emir of Kuwait Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah passed away on Saturday. He was 86. Authorities haven’t yet revealed the reason behind the death. The Emir was ailing and has been under treatment since November. The news of the death was released by Kuwait State TV. In March 2021, the emir took specialized treatment from the US.

In 2006, Sheikh Nawaf was chosen as the crown prince by his half-brother, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Sheikh Nawaf assumed power as Emir following the death of his predecessor Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah in 2020. Earlier, he also held the position of Interior Minister of Kuwait.

His role as defence minister was also pivotal during the Iraqi invasion of oil-rich Kuwait back in 1990. Sheik Nawaf was a popular figure who mostly held a low-profile life that beamed with modesty.