Kuwait’s Emir Dies Aged 91

The Emir of Kuwait, Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who ruled the oil-rich Persian Gulf state for 14 years, has died at the age of 91, state television reported on Tuesday.

Sheikh Sabah’s designated successor to the throne 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,” the emir’s office said when confirming his death.

In June, the emir underwent an unspecified surgery and then travelled to the US for treatment. He was hospitalized last year after suffering what the Kuwaiti officials described as a medical “setback.” Sheikh Sabah had ruled Kuwait since 2006.