Kuwait's late Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 86, was laid to rest in a private funeral attended by select relatives. The state television broadcasted a prayer ceremony at Bilal bin Rabah mosque in Kuwait City and a funeral procession to the Sulaibikhat cemetery, which were limited in attendance to the ruling family.

The funeral was a somber affair with parliament speaker Ahmed al-Sadoun being the only top official outside the al-Sabah family permitted to attend the prayers at the mosque. The new emir, Sheikh Meshaal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, accompanied his half-brother's coffin, draped in a Kuwaiti flag, and was seen shedding a tear during the ceremony.

A 40-day mourning period has commenced, and government offices will remain closed for three days as a mark of respect for Sheikh Nawaf. Throughout Kuwait City, flags were lowered to half-mast, and digital billboards displayed images of the late ruler. The nation mourns the loss of Sheikh Nawaf, whose reign as the emir lasted only three years due to his declining health.

Sheikh Nawaf had a long and distinguished career in public service, holding various ministerial positions for over six decades. He served as the minister of defence, interior, labour, and deputy chief of the National Guard. His tenure as defense minister coincided with Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, leading to a war that ended Kuwait's occupation.

The late emir was known for his compassion and generosity, earning him the nickname "emir of pardons" for issuing numerous amnesties for political prisoners. One of his last acts before his death was signing a draft decree demanding the release of dozens of political prisoners, showcasing his commitment to justice and reconciliation.

Sheikh Nawaf's reign may have been short, but his contributions to Kuwait will be remembered. He followed in the footsteps of his brother and predecessor, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who ruled for 14 years and played a significant role in shaping Kuwait's foreign policy. Sheikh Nawaf's passing marks the end of an era for Kuwait as the nation mourns the loss of a beloved leader.

Authorities have yet to officially announce the cause of Sheikh Nawaf's death, as he had been admitted to the hospital last month. The people of Kuwait will continue to honor his memory and reflect on his legacy as they navigate this period of mourning.