Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (Arabic: نَوَّاف الأَحمَد الْجَابِر الصَّباح, romanized: Nawwāf al-ʾAḥmad al-Jābir aṣ-Ṣabāḥ; 25 June 1937 – 16 December 2023) was the 16th Emir of Kuwait, reigning from 29 September 2020 until his death on 16 December 2023. He succeeded to the throne following the passing of his half-brother, Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
Early Life and Education
Born on 25 June 1937, Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was the son of Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the 10th ruler of Kuwait. He received his education at various schools in Kuwait.
Career
Nawaf emerged as one of the prominent members of the House of Sabah, assuming key roles in Kuwait’s governance. At the age of 25, he was appointed governor of Hawalli on 21 February 1962, serving until 19 March 1978. His career included notable positions such as Minister of Interior from 1978 to 26 January 1988, followed by his appointment as Minister of Defense.
After the Gulf War and the liberation of Kuwait, Nawaf briefly served as the acting minister of labor and social affairs from 20 April 1991 to 17 October 1992. Despite a demand for his dismissal in the aftermath of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, Nawaf did not attain a cabinet-level position until 2003.
In subsequent years, Nawaf played a crucial role in supporting programs promoting national unity within the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf and Arab countries. On 7 February 2006, he was officially designated as the Crown Prince, deviating from the traditional rotation between the Al-Jaber and Al-Salem branches of the Al-Sabah family.
Following the death of Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on 29 September 2020, Nawaf was announced as the Emir of Kuwait during a National Assembly meeting.
Personal Life
Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was married to Sharifa Sulaiman Al-Jasem Al-Ghanim, and they had four sons and a daughter. He faced an emergency health issue on 29 November 2023, leading to his admission to the hospital, and he passed away on December 16, 2023.
Honors and Awards
Nawaf received several honors and awards during his lifetime, including:
- Spain: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit (23 May 2008)
- Argentina: Grand Cross of the Order of the Liberator General San Martín (1 August 2011)
- United Arab Emirates: Collar of the Order of Zayed (29 January 2007)
- Palestine: Grand Collar of the State of Palestine (13 November 2018)
Legacy
Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s legacy is marked by his leadership during a crucial period in Kuwait’s history. His contributions to national unity and governance have left a lasting impact on the country.
SUMMARY
| Title | Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah: 16th Emir of Kuwait (1937–2023) |
|---|---|
| Born | June 25, 1937 |
| Died | December 16, 2023 (aged 86) |
| Reign | September 29, 2020 – December 16, 2023 |
| Predecessor | Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah |
| Successor | Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber |
| Prime Ministers | Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah (2019–2022), Ahmad Nawaf Al Ahmad (2022–present) |
| Spouse | Sharifa Sulaiman Al-Jassim |
| Children | Sheikh Ahmad, Sheikh Faisal, Sheikh Abdullah, Sheikh Salem, Sheikha Sheikha |
| House | Sabah |
| Father | Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah |
| Mother | Yamama |
| Religion | Islam |
| Early Life | Born on June 25, 1937, son of the 10th ruler of Kuwait, Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Educated in various schools in Kuwait. |
| Career Highlights | Notable roles include governor of Hawalli, Minister of Interior, Minister of Defense. Played a key role in supporting national unity programs. |
| Crown Prince Nomination | Designated as Crown Prince on February 7, 2006, deviating from traditional Al-Sabah family rotation. |
| Emir Announcement | Announced as the Emir of Kuwait on September 29, 2020, following the death of Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. |
| Personal Life | Married to Sharifa Sulaiman Al-Jasem Al-Ghanim, with four sons and a daughter. Faced health issues and passed away on December 16, 2023. |
| Honors and Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit (Spain), Grand Cross of the Order of the Liberator General San Martín (Argentina), Collar of the Order of Zayed (United Arab Emirates), Grand Collar of the State of Palestine (Palestine). |
| Legacy | Remembered for leadership during a crucial period in Kuwait’s history and contributions to national unity and governance. |
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