Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, has died in New York after a long illness.

The Amiri Diwan confirmed the passing of the Emir on 29 September in a statement carrid by state news agency Kuna.

Sheikh Sabah was aged 91, and his health had been ailing for some time.

The royal palace's statement expressed condolences and commiserations to the people of Kuwait and Arab and Islamic regions.

Television channels in Kuwait, including state broadcaster Kuwait TV1, cut into their daily programming to broadcast Quranic verses as they reported his passing.

Illness

He was admitted to hospital on 18 July for medical check-ups, and underwent treatment in the US to complete medical treatment after surgery in Kuwait for an unspecified condition.

Earlier this month, Kuwait’s Prime Minister said Sheikh Sabah’s health was improving. 

“The latest report from the Kuwaiti medical team accompanying his majesty is that, thanks to God, the health of his highness is stable and improving,” Sheikh Sabah Khalid al-Hamad al-Sabah told official TV.

Regional broker

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

The royal palace's English-language statement on Kuna did not contain details of plans for succession or the official mourning period. 

Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah is Deputy Emir and Crown Prince of Kuwait.