Crown Prince Nawaf al-Ahmed Al Sabah sworn in as Kuwait’s new ruler

DPA, 30TH SEPTEMBER, 2020 - Kuwait’s Crown Prince Nawaf al-Ahmed Al Sabah on Wednesday was sworn in as the Gulf state’s new ruler after the death of his older half-brother, Emir Sabah al-Ahmed Al Sabah.

The Kuwaiti Cabinet designated Nawaf, 83, as the new emir shortly after Sabah died on Tuesday in the United States, where he had been hospitalized, at the age of 91.

The body of the late Emir is set to arrive in Kuwait on Wednesday, and the funeral will be restricted to his relatives for health safety measures, the royal court has announced.

“I swear by Almighty Allah to respect the constitution and the laws of the state, to defend the liberties, interests and property of the people and to safeguard the independence and territorial integrity of the country,” the new Emir said as he was sworn in by Parliament.

In a speech after taking the oath, Nawaf mourned the late Emir, describing him as an eternal symbol, who offered a lot to his homeland, people and nation.

“He left a heritage full of achievements at the local, Arab, Islamic and international levels,” he said.

“Our dear nation is facing delicate circumstances and dangerous challenges, and the only way to overcome and survive them is unity and concerted efforts,” he added.

The challenges facing Kuwait include being in a turbulent region roiled by rivarlies between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the years-long diplomatic row between a Saudi-led bloc and Qatar as well as the decline in oil prices, the main source of Kuwait’s income.