A one-day state mourning on Sunday has been announced by the government following the demise of the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The ruling emir, aged 86, passed away on Saturday. In a communication to all states, it was conveyed by the Union home ministry that during the period of state mourning on December 17, the national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India where regularly displayed, and there will be no official entertainment.

"His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, passed away on December 16, 2023. As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the government of India has decided that there will be one day's state mourning on December 17," said the communication."On the day of mourning, the national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India on all buildings where the national flag is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment on the day," it said. 
 

The Emir of Kuwait died at 86

At the age of 86, Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah passed away on Saturday, as reported by Arab News. The cause of his death is not yet known. In a statement aired on state television on Saturday, Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al Sabah, the minister of his emiri court, expressed deep sadness and sorrow, announcing the demise of His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah.

Sheikh Nawaf took the oath of office in September 2020, succeeding his half-brother, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, who passed away in the United States at the age of 91. Although Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, Kuwait's deputy ruler and half-brother, is reportedly in a position to succeed him, no formal declaration has been made yet, as per Arab News.

Sheikh Nawaf had held influential positions for decades before assuming the throne, being named heir apparent in 2006 and serving as defence minister during the Iraqi invasion in 1990. Despite being sent to the hospital in late November for an undisclosed ailment, he maintained a low profile and was well-regarded within the ruling al-Sabah family for his humility.

(With ANI and PTI inputs)