Kuwait’s Emir Hospitalized, Stirring Concerns Over His Health, Age

Kuwait’s Emir Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is in stable condition after being hospitalized on Wednesday due to “an emergency health problem.” While the state-run KUNA news agency did not divulge medical details, this latest health scare has raised concerns about the 86-year-old ruler’s age and health in general.

Since coming into power in 2020 following the death of his predecessor, Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the current emir has experienced numerous medical issues, some of which temporarily forced him to transfer duties to the royal family’s crown prince, Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Sources say that in March 2021, Sheikh Nawaf traveled to the US for medical checks, though no details were specified.

The state of the emir’s health remains a sensitive topic as his term has mostly been a peaceful one despite some political struggles, including a recent overhaul of the welfare system. Kuwait, which has 4.2 million people, borders Saudi Arabia and Iraq and hosts some 13,500 US troops.