The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who died on Saturday, was laid to rest in front of the country's televisions after a private prayer attended by his family and friends.
Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah was buried on Sunday after a private ceremony attended by members of the ruling family and some relatives. The emir's coffin, draped in the Kuwaiti flag, was taken to a mosque in Kuwait for prayers ahead of a funeral ceremony broadcast on state television.
Attendance was limited to members of the ruling family, who bid a private farewell to the ruler, who ruled for three years.
Also present at the funeral were the speaker of the Kuwaiti parliament and the new emir, Sheikh Meshaal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, who is expected to take the oath of office in front of parliament on Wednesday. He will accept condolences from the public on Monday and Tuesday.
During Sunday's ceremony, rows of relatives stood in front of the deceased's final resting place to pray. Some squatted in front of his grave and recited verses from the Koran.
In Kuwait City, large digital billboards featured photos of the deceased and texts praising his “wisdom.”
After the emir's death, flags were lowered to half-mast, administrations were closed for three days and 40 days of mourning were decreed.
Political crisis
Born in 1937, Sheikh Nawaf was appointed crown prince by his half-brother Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in 2006 and took over the office of emir after his death in September 2020.
Kuwait, a rich oil state in the Gulf, has been mired in a deep crisis between the executive and legislative branches for several years, dashing hopes for reforms.
Who is the new Emir of Kuwait?
The new emir, Mechaal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, is 83 years old and the question now arises as to whether the royal family will choose a younger leader.
Sheikh Nawaf's disappearance and the advanced age of his successor are increasing insecurity in a country wracked by divisions within the al-Sabah family, some members of which accuse others of corruption or conspiracy.
The new emir, who was named crown prince in 2020, has spent most of his career in security and intelligence. In particular, he held the office of Interior Minister.