Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah died at the age of 86. The Emir’s office announced this on Saturday, on 16 December, on state television. 

Previously, regular television broadcasts were interrupted by the reading of verses from the Quran, which in the Gulf countries usually happens in the event of the death of one of the members of the ruling dynasty.

“It is with deep sorrow and regret that we mourn with the people of Kuwait, Arab and Muslim countries, and friendly nations for the late His Highness the Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who passed away today, Saturday,” it said. in a statement from the office.

Sheikh Nawaf was hospitalized at the end of November due to serious health problems.

Kuwait’s 16th emir ruled the Gulf state for three years, taking the throne in September 2020 after the death of his 91-year-old half-brother Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who led the emirate from 2006 to 2020. He has been appointed crown prince since 2006 by decree of Sheikh Sabah.