UAE Announces 3-Day Mourning for Kuwait Emir's Demise

On Saturday, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President, announced a three-day national mourning period in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following the death of Kuwait's Emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah. This period of mourning was declared as a mark of respect for the late Emir's passing.

As part of the mourning protocols, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed ordered that flags be flown at half-mast starting immediately. This symbolic gesture will be observed at all government departments within the UAE, as well as at the country's embassies and diplomatic missions abroad. The announcement was made through an advisory released by the state news agency Wam.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, expressed his condolences in a post, emphasizing the extensive service of Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah to his country over a span of six decades. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised the late Emir's dedication and sincerity in fulfilling his role.

Born in 1937, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah was the fifth son of Kuwait's late ruler Sheikh Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, who held the position from 1921 to 1950. Sheikh Nawaf embarked on his political career at the age of 25 when he assumed the role of governor of Hawalli province. He continued in this capacity until 1978 when he took on the position of interior minister for the next decade.

Following the death of his predecessor, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, in 2020, Sheikh Nawaf was sworn in as the Emir of Kuwait. Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, now 83, holds the position of the world's oldest crown prince and is next in line to assume the role of Kuwait's ruler. The detailed overview provides insight into the life and political journey of Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah and the significant mourning observances initiated by the UAE leadership.