Kuwait's ruling emir Sheikh Nawaf dies aged 86

The ruling emir of the Arab, oil-rich country of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmed Al Sabah, has died at the age of 86, Kuwaiti state television reported on December 16.

State television interrupted regular programming with Quranic verses before making the announcement, DW reports.

"With great sadness and sorrow, we mourn... the death of Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmed Al Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait," said a statement aired on Kuwaiti state television.

Sheikh Nawaf has only ruled for three years. He was sworn in as the oil-rich country's emir in 2020 following the death of his predecessor, the late Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah.

He is in line to be succeeded by Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber. Now 83, he is believed to be the world's oldest crown prince.