Kuwait buries late emir Sheikh Nawaf in funeral attended by new ruler

Kuwait's late Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah buried after six-decade career in public service; successor Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah to preserve key foreign policies.

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah, whose six-decade career in public service primarily focused on domestic issues, was buried on December 17 following a prayer service.

His successor, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, 83, was seen shedding a tear at the prayer service attended by members of the ruling Al Sabah family and speaker of Kuwait's parliament.

Sheikh Meshal had been Kuwait's de facto ruler since late 2021, when a frail Sheikh Nawaf handed over most of his duties. Kuwait, which holds the world's seventh-largest oil reserves, has maintained a foreign policy of close ties with its ally the U.S. and balanced its relationships with neighbours Saudi Arabia, Iran and former occupier Iraq.

As he formally takes the helm of the OPEC member from his half-brother, Sheikh Meshal is expected to preserve key Kuwaiti foreign policies including support for Gulf Arab unity, Western alliances and good ties to Riyadh - a priority relationship.

Sheikh Nawaf's three-year reign as emir, relatively short by Kuwait standards, was marred by ill health. His predecessor and brother, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, reigned for 14 years and shaped the Gulf state's foreign policy for two generations.

Sheikh Nawaf, whose casket was draped in Kuwait's flag, was buried Sulaibikhat cemetery alongside his kin, after prayers at Bilal bin Rabah mosque.

Dignitaries from around the world paid respects to Sheikh Nawaf, whose six decades in public service included minister of defence, interior, labour and deputy chief of the national guard.