Gulf Countries Mourn Passing of Emir of Kuwait

Kuwait's national flags are lowered to the half-mast position outside the landmark Kuwait Towers in Kuwait City on December 16, 2023, as the Gulf country mourns the death of its leader the late emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al Sabah. (AFP)
Kuwait's national flags are lowered to the half-mast position outside the landmark Kuwait Towers in Kuwait City on December 16, 2023, as the Gulf country mourns the death of its leader the late emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al Sabah. (AFP)
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Gulf Countries Mourn Passing of Emir of Kuwait

Kuwait's national flags are lowered to the half-mast position outside the landmark Kuwait Towers in Kuwait City on December 16, 2023, as the Gulf country mourns the death of its leader the late emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al Sabah. (AFP)
Kuwait's national flags are lowered to the half-mast position outside the landmark Kuwait Towers in Kuwait City on December 16, 2023, as the Gulf country mourns the death of its leader the late emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al Sabah. (AFP)

Gulf countries offered on Saturday their condolences to Kuwait over the death of Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al Sabah.

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan mourned with great sadness and sorrow Sheikh Nawaf’s passing, reported the state news agency WAM.

At the directives of Sheikh Mohamed, the UAE will observe a three-day state mourning with the flag flown at half-mast at all official departments, embassies, and UAE's diplomatic missions outside the country, said a statement from the Presidential Court.

Qatar mourned Sheikh Nawaf’s passing with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani offering his condolences to Kuwait’s royal family and people.

In a statement, he said the Arab and Islamic nations “lost a wise leader, whose policies were dedicated to his country and people and consolidating Gulf relations.”

He also “championed issues vital to his Arab and Islamic nations and supported security stability and peace in the region and world,” he added.

Sheikh Tamim also ordered three days of state mourning in Qatar.



Saudi King Approves Hosting 1,000 Umrah Performers from 66 Countries in Guests Program

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
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Saudi King Approves Hosting 1,000 Umrah Performers from 66 Countries in Guests Program

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has approved the hosting of 1,000 individuals from 66 nations to perform Umrah during this year, 1446 AH, as part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visitation.

The guests will be received over four groups as part of this program, which is executed and supervised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.

Marking this occasion, the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance and General Supervisor of the program, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Alsheikh, expressed profound gratitude and appreciation towards King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for empowering Muslims from diverse nations worldwide to perform Islamic rituals comfortably and peacefully, covering the expenses personally.
He highlighted that throughout its ongoing journey, the program has extended its reach across various continents, benefiting over 140 countries since its inception. The program's guests enjoy an array of services through a comprehensive system, ensuring a seamless experience from departure to their safe return.