Egypt Declares 3-Day Mourning over Death of Kuwait's Emir

Egypt declared on Saturday a period of three days of mourning following the death of the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, who died today at the age of 86. 

In a statement, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi mourned the death of the Sheikh, and described him as a "Great man, who was supportive of his Arab and Islamic nation, keen on its affairs, wise in his leadership, and gave much to his country and the Arab and Islamic nations."

Authorities gave no cause of death.

In late November, Sheikh Nawaf was rushed to hospital for an unspecified illness. State-run news previously reported that he traveled to the United States for medical checks in March 2021.

Sheikh Nawaf was named crown prince in 2006 and sworn in as Emir in 2020, following the death of Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He had previously served as defence minister and interior minister.

Kuwait’s deputy ruler and his half-brother, Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, 83, is believed to be the world’s oldest crown prince. He is in line to take over as Kuwait’s ruler.