Kuwait’s Emir makes Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Crown Prince

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah issued a decree nominating Sheikh Sabah al-Khalid al-Sabah as crown prince, the state news agency KUNA reported on Saturday, June 1, 2024.

KUNA added, “The Emiri decree comes into effect as of its issuance date and will be published in the Official Gazette.”

Sheikh Sabah al-Khalid previously served as Prime Minister from 2019 until 2022, when he resigned after facing a combative legislature as the head of successive cabinets. Opposition MPs were bent on questioning him over issues, including perceived corruption.

Kuwait has given its elected assembly more influence than similar bodies in other Gulf monarchies. This includes the power to pass and block laws, question ministers, and submit no-confidence motions against senior government officials.

Before becoming a prime minister in 2019, Sheikh Sabah al-Khalid served as foreign minister for about eight years, starting in 2011. He has also held many ministerial portfolios since 2006.

He was born in Kuwait in 1953 and holds a B.A. in Political Science from Kuwait University in 1977.