Kuwait Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, 91, was admitted to hospital on 18 July for medical check-ups, Kuwait News Agency (Kuna) has reported.

A decree has also been issued for Kuwait Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah to temporarily take over some constitutional jurisdictions from the country’s emir.

The report added the emir is in good health, without providing additional details.

The report did not specify the specific responsibilities that have been entrusted to Sheikh Nawah, the emir’s 83-year-old designate successor, half-brother and commander of the Kuwait military forces.

Last year, it was reported that the emir had suffered a health setback.

He was admitted to a US hospital in September while on an official visit there.

Sheikh Sabah has ruled Kuwait since 2006. He has been credited with shaping the country’s foreign policies and maintaining a neutral stance on major issues confronting the region.

Included in MEED's June 2020 Kuwait report

Economy: Kuwaiti politics threatens economic vision
Finance: Kuwait faces mounting fiscal crisis
Banking: Kuwaiti banks face up to tough year
Hydrocarbons: Oil and gas projects sector shrinks by a third
Neutral Zone: Shut-in is a temporary move
Utilities: Kuwait makes tentative power and water progress
Construction: Kuwait construction sector still hungry for work
Legal: Investment in Kuwait faces legal deterrents
Tourism: Kuwait tourism must overcome legacy hurdles