The succession was announced by Issa Al-Kandari, deputy prime minister and minister of state for cabinet affairs.
Recall that Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah died aged 86 on Saturday.
The cause of his death was not immediately disclosed but the emir was admitted to hospital late last month due to an emergency health problem.
Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, 83, has been Kuwait’s de facto ruler since 2021.
He was handed over most of his duties by Sheikh Nawaf himself owing to the latter’s ailing health. Under Kuwait’s constitution, the crown prince automatically becomes an emir.
He can then assume power after taking an oath in parliament. The new emir has up to a year to name an heir.
The new emir’s choice of crown prince and premier will be watched closely as a younger generation of Kuwait’s ruling family attempts to secure the position.
World leaders mourn Sheikh Nawaf’s death
British prime minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that he was saddened to hear of the passing of Sheikh Nawaf who was a great friend of the United Kingdom that would be remembered fondly.
Rishi Sunak “offered his deepest condolences to the Kuwaiti people and the Al Sabah family on the death of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah.”
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent their condolences to the people of Kuwait and the royal Al-Sabah family over the death of Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah on Saturday.
“With utmost grief and sorrow, we recieved the news of the death of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah, the Emir of the State of Kuwait, may Allah bestows mercy upon him and rest him in His widely vast paradise,” read a statement on Saudi Press Agency.
The statement by the Saudi Royal Court said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people share the sorrows of the brothers in Kuwait, and ask God Almighty to inspire the honorable family and the brotherly Kuwaiti people patience and solace in this great affliction, and to perpetuate security, stability, prosperity, on Kuwait and its people.”
Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan issued a statement expressing his condolences. “My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to the leadership and people of the sister State of Kuwait in this great tragedy, the wisdom and vision of the late Azim had an impact in strengthening Saudi-Kuwaiti relations and supporting joint Gulf action,” he said.
The UAE announced a three-day mourning period to mark the death of Sheikh Nawaf.
The UAE Presidential Court said in a statement: “With hearts that believe in Allah’s will and destiny, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan mourns the passing of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber, who passed away today.”
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi offered condolences over the death of Sheikh Nawaf, saying that the late emir was a major supporter to the Arab and Islamic nations.
Egypt announced three-day mourning nationwide over the emir’s death.