UAE announces three days of state mourning for Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Sabah

The UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has directed the country to observe a three-day state mourning as a result of the death of Kuwait’s ruler Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Tuesday.

Flags within the UAE will be flown at half-mast at all official departments, embassies, and at the UAE’s diplomatic missions outside the country too.

In a statement, the Ministry of Presidential Affairs said that that UAE has lost one of the most prominent leaders from the Arab and Islamic nations who made huge contributions to his people and nation, defended Pan-Arabism and Islamic causes sincerely and loyally.

Our sincere condolences go to the Al-Sabah family and the people of Kuwait. Sheikh Sabah epitomised wisdom, tolerance, and peace and he was a great pioneer of Gulf cooperation. He served Kuwait with honor and grace, and his work will never be forgotten. May God have mercy on him pic.twitter.com/LUtWtu8JlL

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) September 29, 2020

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Al Sabah family and the people of Kuwait. We emphasise our full confidence in the farsightedness, fortitude, and the ability of the people of the State of Kuwait and their wise leadership to complete the triumphant journey of the late Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad in serving the nation and advancing the course of joint Arab action,” the statement added.

The statement went on to say that Sheikh Sabah worked tirelessly to solidify Arab ranks and enhance their unity.
Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, a half brother who has served as interior minister and deputy chief of the national guard, has now succeeded Sheikh Sabah as the new Emir of Kuwait.

Sheikh Nawaf has been acting emir since Sheikh Sabah left Kuwait for treatment in the US.