UAE leaders wish new Emir of Kuwait success

Predecessor Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah died on Saturday at the age of 86

Pictured in 2022, President Sheikh Mohamed greets Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Sabah, now Kuwaiti Emir, during the Jeddah Security and Development Summit. Photo: Presidential Court

Wishes of success and prosperity have been sent to the new Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Sabah, from President Sheikh Mohamed.

Sheikh Meshal, 83, is the late Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah's half-brother, and has been serving as crown prince of Kuwait.

He helped to build the state's security and defence apparatus.

In a message on Sunday morning, Sheikh Mohamed expressed a desire to Sheikh Meshal to keep the two Gulf nations close.

“I wish my brother Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Sabah success in leading the state of Kuwait towards further progress and prosperity in various fields,” he said.

“Together, we will continue to strengthen our bonds of unity and advance joint Gulf action for the benefit of our people.”

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also congratulated the new Emir, saying he looked forward to working together.

“I congratulate my brother Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Sabah and I ask God Almighty to grant him success in leading the sisterly state for the good of the Kuwaiti people and to continue the path of progress and prosperity,” he said.

“We are keen to strengthen the bonds of our established fraternal relations and work together for the future of our two countries and achieve the aspirations of our two brotherly peoples.”

And on Wednesday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, wrote on X: “We congratulate my brother, His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Sabah, on being sworn in as Emir of the State of Kuwait.

“Our prayers are for him and the success and prosperity in ruling the country. And our prayers for Kuwait and its people for a new path of progress under his wise leadership. We ask God to grant him success in all good things and to perpetuate love and brotherhood. Between the two brotherly peoples.”

Processions for the funeral of Sheikh Nawaf, who died on Saturday at the age of 86, were held in the capital on Sunday, with only relatives in attendance.

Kuwait announced a 40-day mourning period, and the UAE and Oman announced a three-day mourning period.