Kuwait Amir laid to rest in solemn ceremony

AFP | Kuwait City                                                     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Kuwait’s Amir, His Highness Shaikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, was laid to rest yesterday in a low-key funeral, a day after he died aged 86. Foreign leaders and envoys later paid their final respects.

The new Amir of Kuwait, His Highness Shaikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, received His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Qatar’s Amir Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Jordan’s King Abdullah, who offered their condolences.

Draped in a Kuwaiti flag, the coffin of Shaikh Nawaf was carried into a Kuwait mosque for prayers ahead of a burial ceremony that was broadcast on state television. Attendance was largely limited to ruling family members, making for an intimate farewell for the late Amir who reigned for three years.

The new Amir, Shaikh Meshal will receive condolences today and tomorrow from the public and is expected to deliver his oath before parliament on Wednesday. During the burial ceremony, also attended by the speaker of parliament, rows of relatives gathered at Shaikh Nawaf’s final resting place and performed prayers. Some crouched before his grave, cupping their hands and reciting Holy Quran verses.