Our Dear Emir of the State of Kuwait – Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, has died at the age of 91. The Emir had suffered with ill health for several years.
Sheikh Sabah had ruled the oil-rich Gulf Arab state since 2006 and had overseen its foreign policy for more than 50 years. He was dubbed the “dean of Arab diplomacy” for his efforts to restore relations with states that backed Iraq during the 1990-1991 Gulf War, when Kuwait was invaded by Iraqi forces. (Extract from the news coverage by the BBC.)
Ever since I have lived in Kuwait, I have always seen him with a very sweet smile and a calm demeanour. He was a pillar of stability, not only for Kuwait but for the region. He played a vital role in being a peace mediator, and at the same time he also managed to maintain peaceful international relations. The Emir was a powerful and respected figure both within the Middle East, and on the international stage. He will be greatly missed.
My sincere condolences, good wishes and prayers to the Al Sabah ruling family at this time. He is enveloped in the Light of Allah.