King of Kuwait passes away at age 91

Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah | Photo: Martinsville Bulletin

Kuwait City, Kuwait — The King of Kuwait, or better known as the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has passed away at the age of 91.

Sabah has ruled the Gulf state for 14 years until officials revealed on Tuesday that the Emir has passed away. The Emir had battled with health issues for the past few years and had also recieved a surgery for regarding his health issues in the United States. Although officials did not disclose his condition after the surgery, Sabah’s office described it as successful.

The minister of Royal Court Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah stated on state TV that, “With sincere sadness, Kuwait, its people, the people of the Arab and Muslim world, and the people of the world offer their condolences for the death of Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God forgive him.”

Several countries and leaders have paid their tribute following the news of Sabah’s death.

“We wish only to mention the achievements of His Highness the late Emir who dedicated his life to bringing peace and stability to the region,” the US Embassy in Kuwait said in a tweet.

Furthermore, the King Abdullah of Jordanian monach has declared 40 days of mourning and tweeted that, “Today we lost a great brother and a wise leader who loves Jordan, (He) did not hesitate in his benevolent endeavors to make every effort to unite the Arab ranks.”

Born as a member of the country’s royal family in 1929, Sabah had served as a foreign minister for 40 years and served as a prime minister until he was later named as the country’s monarch.