UAE announces three-day mourning period over death of Kuwait’s emir

The UAE announced a three-day mourning period to mark the death of the Kuwaiti emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah on Saturday.

Flags across the emirates will be flown at half-mast at all official departments, embassies, and UAE diplomatic missions outside the country.

The Presidential Court said in a statement: “With hearts that believe in Allah’s will and destiny, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan mourns the passing of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber, who passed away today.”

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also issued a statement of condolence.

The 86-year-old Kuwaiti leader ascended to the throne in 2020 after the death of his half-brother, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah. He was previously the crown prince.

In November, he was admitted to hospital “due to an emergency health problem,” Kuwaiti state news agency KUNA reported at the time.

The news broke early on Saturday after state-run broadcasters switched from normal programming to a recital of the Quran.

Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah has been named emir, according to state TV.