Over 63 people, mostly from Asian nations including around 40 Indians, have been hospitalized in Kuwait due to methanol poisoning from contaminated alcohol, resulting in 13 deaths and some cases of blindness, amid strict alcohol bans and illegal production in the country.
Ten expatriate workers in Kuwait died from suspected alcohol poisoning after consuming locally made alcohol, amid ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal liquor production, with several others hospitalized in critical condition.
A livestock carrier ship, dubbed the "Kuwaiti death ship," carrying 19,000 cattle from Brazil to Iraq caused a foul smell in Cape Town, prompting inspections by animal welfare officials. The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) described the vessel's conditions as deplorable, with faeces and ammonia build-up, leading to the euthanization of several animals. Despite the stench, the ship is expected to continue its voyage to Iraq after making necessary stops for animal feed, vessel stores, bunkers, and medical assessments.
Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Sabah has been sworn in as Kuwait's new emir, pledging to uphold constitutional principles, fight corruption, and safeguard the country and its people. As a reformist leader, he is expected to maintain key foreign policies, including support for Gulf Arab unity and Western alliances, with a focus on strengthening relations with Saudi Arabia and potentially expanding ties with China. Sheikh Mishal will also address the strained relationship between the ruling family and parliament, aiming to promote fiscal and economic reform while emphasizing accountability and justice.
Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who passed away at the age of 86, has been laid to rest in a private funeral attended by select relatives. The new emir, Sheikh Meshaal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, accompanied his half-brother's coffin, draped in a Kuwaiti flag. A 40-day mourning period has begun, and a three-day shutdown of government offices will last till Tuesday. Sheikh Nawaf held public service offices for six decades and was known as the "emir of pardons" for issuing numerous amnesties for political prisoners.
Kuwait's late Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah, known for his focus on domestic issues during his six-decade career in public service, was buried following a prayer service attended by his successor, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, and members of the ruling Al Sabah family. Sheikh Meshal, who had been the de facto ruler since late 2021, is expected to continue key Kuwaiti foreign policies, including support for Gulf Arab unity and good ties with Riyadh. Sheikh Nawaf's three-year reign was marked by ill-health, and he was buried alongside his kin at Sulaibikhat cemetery. Dignitaries from around the world paid their respects, and Kuwaitis expressed hope for continued efforts to improve ties between the government and parliament under Sheikh Meshal's rule.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III expresses deep sadness over the passing of the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, highlighting his commitment to diplomacy and his warm hospitality during a visit in September 2021. He extends condolences to the people of Kuwait and Sheikh Nawaf's family on behalf of the Department of Defense.
President Joe Biden expresses his condolences to the family and people of Kuwait on the passing of Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, highlighting his valued partnership and friendship with the United States. Biden emphasizes the shared vision for peace and stability in the Middle East and pledges to strengthen the longstanding ties between the two countries.
Kuwait's ruling emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, has passed away at the age of 86 after a three-year reign focused on resolving internal political disputes. His half-brother, Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, has been named the new emir. Sheikh Nawaf's tenure was marked by domestic issues, including overhauling Kuwait's welfare system and resolving political impasses. He was known for his low-key approach and efforts to promote stability in the Middle East. Kuwait, a staunch U.S. ally, is home to the world's sixth-largest known oil reserves.
Gulf countries and leaders from around the world express their condolences and mourn the death of Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah. Public offices in Kuwait will be closed for three days, and a state mourning period of 40 days has been announced. Sheikh Nawaf's half-brother, Crown Prince Sheikh Meshaal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, has been named the new emir. Various countries, including Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, the United Kingdom, Kosovo, and the United Nations General Assembly, have all expressed their sorrow and offered their condolences on the emir's passing.
Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, the ruler of Kuwait, has passed away at the age of 86. The cause of his death has not been disclosed, but he had been hospitalized last month for an emergency health issue. Sheikh Nawaf became the emir of Kuwait in 2020 following the death of his brother, Sheikh Sabah. During his reign, he focused on domestic issues and faced political disputes, including the overhaul of Kuwait's welfare system. Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah is the designated successor. Egypt has declared three days of mourning for Sheikh Nawaf's passing.
Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah has passed away at the age of 86. His half-brother, Sheikh Meshaal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, 83, has been named as his successor. Sheikh Nawaf, who ruled for three years, was known for his modesty and efforts towards reconciliation and opening up the parliament to all voices. Sheikh Meshaal is described as an "insider and outsider" and is expected to continue the preservation and progress of Kuwait. The country had faced economic challenges during Sheikh Nawaf's reign, including a fall in oil prices and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah has passed away at the age of 86. He had been leading the country for the past three years and was succeeded by his half-brother, Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Sabah. Sheikh Nawaf, who served as defense minister during the Gulf War, had a relatively short reign compared to his predecessor. Kuwait, with its significant oil reserves and US alliance, has declared 40 days of mourning and government offices will be closed for three days.
Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah has passed away at the age of 86, just over three years after assuming power. The cause of his death has not been disclosed. Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who has been Kuwait's de facto ruler since 2021, has been named as Sheikh Nawaf's successor. Sheikh Nawaf's reign was marked by a standoff between the government and elected parliament, hindering key structural reforms. He maintained a balanced foreign policy with neighboring countries and aligned Kuwait more closely with Saudi Arabia. The new emir has up to a year to name an heir, and his choice of crown prince and premier will be closely watched as factional struggles within the ruling family continue.
Kuwait's ruling emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, has passed away at the age of 86. The cause of death has not been disclosed. His half-brother, Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, is expected to succeed him as the world's oldest crown prince. Sheikh Nawaf's reign focused on domestic issues, including political disputes and the overhaul of Kuwait's welfare system. He issued amnesty decrees to defuse government standoffs and saw the restoration of ties between Gulf Cooperation Council states. Kuwait, a US ally since the 1991 Gulf War, has the world's sixth-largest known oil reserves.