Kuwait Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, 86, passes away after 3 years in power

News Network
December 16, 2023

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The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, passed away, the state's Amiri Diwan announced on Saturday, December 16. He was 86.

“With great sadness and sorrow, we — the Kuwaiti people, the Arab and Islamic nations, and the friendly peoples of the world — mourn the late His Highness the emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, who passed away to his Lord today,” Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al Sabah, the minister of his Emiri court, read the brief statement.

Prior to the announcement, Kuwait's state TV interrupted regular programming to cut to Quranic verses, signalling a death in the royal family.

In late November, Sheikh Nawaf was rushed to hospital for an unspecified illness. State-run news previously reported that he travelled to the United States for unspecified medical checks in March 2021.

Sheikh Nawaf was sworn in as Emir following the 2020 death of his predecessor, the late Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah. The breadth and depth of emotion over the loss of Sheikh Sabah, known for his diplomacy and peacemaking, was felt across the region.

Born in 1937, the Emir was the fifth son of Kuwait's late ruler from 1921 to 1950 Sheikh Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He started his political career at the age of 25 as governor of Hawalli province, where he remained until 1978 when he started a decade as interior minister.

In November this year, Sheikh Nawaf was admitted to the hospital "due to an emergency health problem", according to the official KUNA news agency, which did not elaborate on his illness. He was later declared in stable condition.

Given his age, his health has commonly been a concern during his term.

Sheikh Nawaf was named crown prince in 2006 by his half-brother Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and took over as emir when Sheikh Sabah died in September 2020 at the age of 91.

He had to steer the economy through a crisis caused by a fall in oil prices in 2020.

The current crown prince, Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, another half-brother, is 83 and much attention will now be focused on whether a younger generation ruler is brought in by the family.

Kuwait -- a conservative country where sovereign powers remain concentrated in the hands of the ruling Al Sabah family -- is home to the most active and powerful parliament in the Gulf.

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coastaldigest.com news network
February 14,2025

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In a tragic turn of events, a non-resident Indian from Beltangady taluk in Dakshina Kannada, who was eagerly anticipating his return home, passed away in Saudi Arabia just hours before his scheduled journey back. The news has left his family, friends, and the entire community in deep mourning.

A Final Call Filled with Joy and Excitement

On Thursday, February 13, brimming with excitement and joy, Hidayath called his dear friend Rafiq, asking him to pick him up from Mangaluru International Airport on Friday morning. The anticipation of reuniting with loved ones after a long time was palpable in his voice. He was set to depart from Jeddah on a 10:30 pm flight, with a promise of a new dawn back home.

A Sudden Turn of Fate

However, fate had a different plan. Upon reaching Jeddah Airport, an unexpected chest pain struck Hidayath. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, the efforts to save him were in vain. The joyful anticipation of his return turned into an incomprehensible loss.

A Man of Talent and Dreams

Hidayath, known for his melodious singing, had initially moved to Bahrain for work before relocating to Saudi Arabia, where he worked for a cargo company. His journey was fueled by dreams and aspirations, driven by the hope of a better future for his family.

An Irreplaceable Loss

He leaves behind his grieving father Abdul Raqaq, his loving mother Shamshir Banu, his devoted wife Reshma, one son, three daughters, and countless family members and friends who cherished him. The void left by his absence is indescribable and his memories will forever be etched in their hearts.

Bringing Him Home

Efforts are underway to bring Hidayath’s mortal remains back to his hometown. His childhood friend and SDPI district secretary, Akbar Beltangady, is coordinating with authorities to ensure he makes his final journey back to the land he loved, where his loved ones await to bid him a final farewell.

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coastaldigest.com news network
February 12,2025

Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta has urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to prioritize increased investments in Mangaluru during the upcoming Global Investors Meet for Coastal Karnataka. He emphasized the region’s immense potential for sustainable industrial growth.

Coastal Karnataka’s Strengths

The MP highlighted Coastal Karnataka’s skilled workforce, premier educational institutions, and strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, making it an ideal destination for industrial expansion.

With its strategic location, excellent port connectivity, and robust infrastructure, the region is particularly suited for industries in R&D, Global Capability Centers (GCCs) - IT and ITES, fintech, renewable energy, marine biotechnology, tourism, and food processing.

Challenges Hindering Growth

Despite these advantages, the MP acknowledged challenges such as youth unemployment, migration of skilled talent, and a lack of large-scale industrial investments. He urged the government to take concrete steps to address these issues.

Proposed Investment Initiatives

To harness the untapped potential of Coastal Karnataka, he requested the CM’s support in:

•    Establishing an IT and startup hub to leverage the region’s large talent pool, boost entrepreneurship, and curb brain drain.

•    Facilitating investments in GCCs and R&D centers, capitalizing on the region’s skilled workforce.

•    Setting up a technological innovation park in Mangaluru to attract investors and institutions.

•    Enhancing New Mangalore Port and developing an integrated coastal economic zone to encourage global trade and manufacturing.

•    Supporting sustainable fisheries, marine research, and ocean-based industries.

•    Encouraging investments in eco-tourism, wellness retreats, and adventure tourism to drive economic growth.

The MP stressed that proactive government intervention in these sectors would significantly boost the region’s economy, attract industries, and create employment opportunities. The proposal is now under consideration.

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P A Hameed Padubidri-KSA
February 22,2025

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On the occasion of the Saudi Founding Day that falls on 22nd February each year, I thought it would be meaningful to share some of my views and express my appreciation for all that I’ve witnessed in this great country. The two key reasons to trigger my intense thought to write this passage are: 

1) Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has long been a trusted, close and valued ally of my country-India, nurturing a strong relationship built on shared interests, mutual respect and cooperation, few to say, trade, security and cultural exchange. Over the years, the bond between the two nations has strengthened, underpinned by an ardent commitment to strategic collaboration and longstanding diplomatic ties; and 2) I feel a deep sense of gratitude and admiration for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as I have been on the long journey-21 years-to spend my valuable times in the Kingdom-an inspiring nation with a deep cultural heritage and an exciting future ahead with its visionary leaderships.

During this significant time of celebration, I wish to underline the country's remarkable growth, unity and visionary leadership that drives the Kingdom’s transformation to its pinnacle. The esteemed Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and Crown Prince & Prime Minister, HRH. Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS) are widely cherished to be pivotal in steering the Kingdom towards an ambitious and transformative future, shaping its path with bold and innovative strategies-diversifying the economy, reducing dependence on oil, and fostering a dynamic, sustainable future through HRH MBS’s dynamic Vision-2023 Program, which is already showing tremendous promise.

In this background, this Founding Day presents us an opportunity to reflect on how far Saudi Arabia has come and to look forward to the exciting journey that lies ahead.

Brief History:
 
Like any other countries, Saudi Arabia was branched out with small tribal regions and legions with their own respective chiefs and systems. Each one had his own roles and norms that sometimes came into conflict with a unified standards and rules. The series of histories were being repeated with hardly or diminutive changes until it’s wisely shaped up with the emergence of an intellectual, futuristic thinker, erudite personality with far-sighted vision, who was none other than Imam Muhammad Bin Saud. He is shortly named as Ibn Saud.
 
The historical background-that led to the formation of the initial Saudi State and present Kingdom of Saudi Arabia-takes us to the period of Banu Hanifah tribe who set up their dominance in the Arabian cliff and gradually found a kingdom called AlYamama Kingdom at Najd-the present-day Riyadh. After years of their reigns and fall of the AlYamama Kingdom, Prince Mani’e Ibn Rabi’ah Al-Muraidi came and settled in Najd, where he consolidated some neighboring vicinities that later came to be known as Diriyah. That’s the triggering point-with the advent of Ibn Saud-which had paved a way for the rise of Saudi Arabia in its pilot stage.  

Imam Muhammad Bin Saud is recognized as the founder of the First Saudi State, who had laid a foundation stone for its establishment in 1727G (1139 Hijri) making the region of Diriyah as a central point of his futuristic mission and activities. He became the Ruler of Diriyah as he had received sharp skills and experience of governance from his ancestors. He had a shrewd mettle of properly navigating the direction of his territory towards peace and unity, and ensured that there were suitable protections and safeguards to the pilgrims and traders who were crossing the routes of his territory.
 
Ibn Saud had neither looked back nor felt weary; he strived hard for the growth and progress of his region by undertaking various progressive and revolutionary initiatives with tough challenges and ordeals. He pushed on his mission of establishing a greater nation with a string of historic unifications. These events would, thus, eventually led to the rise of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or Al-Mamlakathul Saudia. 

The historic series and events that took place in this background goes on and on as what I mentioned here is just a tip of iceberg.
 
Background of the Founding Day:
 
Every year on February 22, Saudi Arabia commemorates its Founding Day, which marks a pivotal moment in the Saudi Arabian history. The launching of the Saudi Founding Day (or Yaum al Ta’sees) was declared by the Royal Decree of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud in 2021 as a plaque of honor to remember the founding of the first Saudi state. As a result, the first national holiday of the Founding Day was declared in 2022 being one of the non-religious public holidays-apart from the Saudi National Day (and Saudi Flag Day).
 
The formation of the first Saudi state was rooted in both the unification of various tribal regions and the consolidation of religious and political power under the leadership of the Al-Saud family. Despite challenges over the centuries-including periods of fragmentation and foreign intervention-the Al-Saud family sustained its commitment to unity and the upholding of its territorial veracity and integrity. 

The Kingdom’s Founding Day is not merely an observance of its deep historical roots and unification, but also an acceptance of the country’s ongoing journey towards progress and modernity.
 
Festive Glances: 

Since this 2025’s Founding Day falls on Saturday, which is the Kingdom’s week off, the public holiday on account of this Day was declared to be on Sunday 23 February. Saudi Arabia has now been in bustling festive looks everywhere with Saudi flags being more vibrantly waved on the vehicles, streets, schools, universities, government entities to commemorate the Founding Day. 

The Day is observed with various programs through traditional costumes, dances and songs, entertainments, traditional meals, firework displays, airshows etc. Along with government entities, various other private sectors, companies, corporate entities celebrate this event with much more spirits and vibes– with everyone getting together to enjoy the occasion. Both citizens and residents commemorate this Day.

Saudi Arabia as it’s Seen Today:
 
The Kingdom as it exists today was formally founded in 1932 by King Abdulaziz Al-Saud-a descendant of Imam Muhammad bin Saud, after his successful unification of the Arabian Peninsula. King Abdulaziz Al-Saud’s assertive leadership was a strong tool in bringing together the different tribal regions, creating a modern nation-state that would become a regional and global leader in terms of political influence, fiscal power and cultural significance. His ability to unite a diverse and vast territory under one flag set the stage for the Kingdom's growth into one of the most influential countries in the world.
 
Today, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has become a vibrant powerhouse for its leaping economic and political lever both at national and international level. Under the leadership of HH King Salman and Crown Prince & Prime Minister, HRH. Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia witnessed a remarkable developments and sustainable growths in a fast-tracking pace and embraced ambitious reforms aimed at preparing the Kingdom for the future. Vision 2030, which was launched in 2016, is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy, reduce its reliance on oil, and position the country as a global center for business, tourism and innovation.
 
HRH. MBS, in particular, has become a key figure in Saudi Arabia’s transformation. His dynamic governance focused on fast economic growth and modernization as well as social reforms that promotes a greater international collaboration and partnership. 

Perhaps the most ambitious project under MBS’s leadership is NEOM, a futuristic city that aims to redefine urban living with cutting-edge technology, sustainability and innovation at its core. The Crown Prince’s efforts to position Saudi Arabia as a hub for technology, AI, education, and culture are indicative of his long-term vision for a thriving, diversified nation.

As Saudi Arabia celebrates its Founding Day this year, it does so not only with pride for its historical roots but with optimism for a future driven by innovation, progress and the collective spirit of its people-both citizens and residents. With Vision 2030 leading the way, the Kingdom is well on its way to becoming a global leader in numerous fields, and the world is watching as Saudi Arabia rises to new heights.

 

The author, Dr P A Hameed Padubidri, is a lawyer, freelance writer and social worker based in Riyadh.

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