Kuwait mourns as late emir Sheikh Nawaf laid to rest in private ceremony
In a solemn ceremony on Sunday, Kuwait bid farewell to its late emir, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, in a private funeral attended by select relatives. The cause of Sheikh Nawaf’s death, which occurred a day prior, remains undisclosed. The funeral took place at a Kuwait mosque, where his draped coffin, adorned with the Kuwaiti flag, received prayers before a burial ceremony broadcast on state television.
The intimate gathering was limited to members of the ruling family, underscoring Sheikh Nawaf’s low-key reign of three years. Notable attendees included the speaker of Kuwait’s parliament. Reflecting on the modest ceremony, Bader al-Saif, a history professor at Kuwait University, remarked, “The choice reflects the late emir’s low-profile character.”
Sheikh Meshal, the incoming emir expected to swear in before parliament on Wednesday, paid his respects during the service. Condolences from the wider public will be received by Sheikh Meshal on Monday and Tuesday. Rows of relatives, alongside citizens, participated in prayers at Sheikh Nawaf’s final resting place, demonstrating a collective farewell.
Throughout Kuwait City, digital billboards memorialized Sheikh Nawaf as the “emir of wisdom, forgiveness, and peace.” Flags were lowered to half-mast, marking the beginning of a 40-day mourning period, during which government offices will remain closed until Tuesday.
Speaking outside the mosque, Kuwaiti citizen Ghanem al-Sulaimani expressed his sadness, referring to Sheikh Nawaf as the “emir of humility and forgiveness” who left behind a remarkable legacy marked by his love for the people.
Born in 1937, Sheikh Nawaf assumed the role of emir in September 2020 following the passing of his half-brother, Sheikh Sabah, at the age of 91. Known as the “emir of pardons,” Sheikh Nawaf granted amnesties to political prisoners, emphasizing his commitment to justice. His recent decree, signed before his demise, called for the release of dozens of political prisoners.
Sheikh Nawaf’s historical roles as defense minister during the 1990 Iraq-Kuwait conflict and interior minister in 2005 during a threat from Islamist militants shaped the nation’s narrative. Despite these challenges, his unassuming style endeared him to the people, solidifying his popularity throughout his tenure.
