Kuwait announces 40-day national mourning period; Sheikh Meshal Al-Sabah becomes new emir

CAIRO - 16 December 2023: The Kuwaiti Cabinet has declared a national mourning period of 40 days, marking a significant transition in the country's leadership. This announcement comes as Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is named the new Emir of Kuwait, a pivotal moment in the nation's history.

Sheikh Al-Sabah, the 17th Emir of Kuwait, entered political life through the gateway of security and military service. He spent over 56 years in this domain, starting with his graduation from Hendon Police College in the UK in 1960. Sheikh Meshal served as the head of General Investigations for 13 years (1967-1980), transforming the unit into the State Security Department, a name it still bears.

Appointed as the Deputy Chief of the National Guard with a ministerial rank on April 13, 2004, Sheikh Meshal played a crucial role in this independent military body, supporting the armed forces and security agencies in national defense. He is described as one of Kuwait's most significant security figures.

Born on September 27, 1940, in Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal, the seventh son of Kuwait’s ruler Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (the tenth Emir), grew up in the ruling family. His brothers include Emirs Jaber, Sabah, and Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Sheikh Meshal was educated at Al-Mubarakiya School in Kuwait before studying police science in the UK.

During his tenure as Deputy Chief of the National Guard, Sheikh Meshal oversaw phases of development, elevating the institution's military and security capabilities. He introduced three five-year strategic plans: "Security as the Basis of Development" (2010-2015), "Security First" (2015-2020), and "Protection and Support" (2020-2025).

Before becoming the Crown Prince, Sheikh Meshal had not held any ministerial portfolio. His responsibilities in state administration became significant, especially during the health absence of his brother, the late Emir Nawaf Al-Ahmad, managing strained relations between the government and the National Assembly, leading to constitutional dissolutions and elections.

On November 16, 2021, Al-Jaber Al-Sabah issued a decree delegating some constitutional competencies to Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on a temporary basis, as per Article 7 of the Constitution.

Sheikh Meshal held several honorary positions, including the Honorary President of the Kuwaiti Pilots and Aviation Engineers Association (1973-2017). He was married to Sheikha Nouria Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah and Muneera Badaah Al-Mutairi, with whom he had five sons and seven daughters.

In his first address as Crown Prince, Sheikh Meshal emphasized preserving the course set by his brother, the late Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, while maintaining democratic processes and expanding public participation. He vowed to be a devoted citizen working for Kuwait's prosperity and unity, committed to the Islamic faith and national principles.