The death of Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Emir of Kuwait, has reverberated across the Arabic entertainment industry.
Actors, singers, writers and poets took to social media to pay tribute to the statesman known for his positive vision for the region. Among those expressing condolences were UAE pop stars Hussain Al Jassmi and Ahlam, as well as Lebanese singers Nancy Ajram and Elissa.
In addition to prayers and words of comfort, the posts expressed solidarity with a nation that has long been viewed as a regional hub of arts and culture.
Here are a selection of the star-studded tributes to the late Sheikh Sabah.
Hussain Al Jassmi: 'prince of humanity'
The Emirati singer hailed Sheikh Sabah's sense of kindness. "Goodbye prince of humanity," he wrote. "My sincere condolences to our family in Kuwait over the departure of everyone's father Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, who was beloved by the Arab and Islamic world."
Ragheb Alama: ‘the emir of goodness and love’
Lebanese crooner Ragheb Alama focused on Sheikh Sabah's generosity. "My condolences to the beloved and dear Kuwaiti people on the death of our great emir, the emir of goodness and love," he said. "We wish Kuwait and its beloved people continued stability and safety."
Nawal Al Kuwaitia: 'our father has left us'
The Kuwaiti singer encapsulated the sense of loss felt in her home country. "Today, the light of our country, our emir, and our father has left us," she said. "May God bless you, my people, and the people of Kuwait."
Elissa: ‘an exceptional person’
Lebanese singer Elissa praised Sheikh Sabah's enduring support for Lebanon. "All condolences to the people of Kuwait on the death of Emir Sheikh Sabah,” she said. "An exceptional person who gave so much to the Arab world and Lebanon. My warmest condolences to Kuwaitis and my prayers for his spirit."
Saber Rebai: ‘peace and solace’
The Tunisian singer wrote that the people of Kuwait are in his thoughts. “Farewell, emir of Kuwait,” he said. “I pray to God to grant you his broad mercy and to bless the people of Kuwait, its government and the entire ruling family patience and solace.”
Nancy Ajram: ‘the emir of humanity’
The Lebanese pop star wrote that Sheikh Sabah leaves a large legacy in the region. “Kuwait today lost an exceptional ruler, whose absence will leave a great impact: the emir of humanity, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah,” she wrote. “Our condolences to our people in Kuwait, our hearts are with you.”
Ahlam: ‘the wise knight has dismounted’
Distraught at the passing of Sheikh Sabah, Emirati singer Ahlam posted a string of poetic messages expressing her heartbreak. In one note she wrote: "The wise knight, the knight of humanity, my father Sheikh Sabah has dismounted."
Taleb Al Refai: 'the grief is immense and painful'
The celebrated Kuwaiti author eloquently expressed the anguish of his nation. "To the gardens of immortality for His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah. The grief of our country and people is immense and painful, but there is no reason to doubt God's judgment."
Nabila Ebeed: 'a life full of achievements'
The Egyptian actress described Sheikh Sabah as the consummate statesman. "I mourn with great sadness the death of His Highness, the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah," she wrote. "He was a great leader with a life full of achievements in the service of the people of Kuwait and the Arab world.”
Sherihan: ‘a leader in humanitarian work’
Egyptian actress Sherihan said Sheikh Al Sabah's altruism will be one of his greatest legacies: "May God Almighty have mercy on a prince who was called a leader in humanitarian work, and his great country was called a centre for humanitarian work."
