Former Emir of Kuwait dies at age 78

May 13, 2008 The Diwan-Amiri confirmed that the former Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah passed away today at his residence in Kuwait City. He was 78 years old.

He suffered colon problems which led to surgery, and numerous visits back and forth between England, the United States and India. Sheikh Saad was married to Sheikha Latifa Fahad Al-Sabah.

He was born in 1930 in Kuwait.He served as emir from January 15 to January 24, until a vote by the National Assembly of Kuwait nominated Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in place of Sheikh Saad as Emir due to illness issues.

Sheikh Saad Al-Sabah was the 14th Emir of Kuwait. Born 1930, to the late Sheikh Abdullah III Al-Salim Al-Sabah, and was the eldest son. Sheikh Saad continued his studies in the UK, at Hendon Police College, London.

During his reign in Kuwait, he introduced new police and security systems, and issued an amiri decree to establish a police academy.

The late Emir will be buried tomorrow in the Sulaibikhat graveyard, Wednesday May 14, 2008 at 9:30 AM (Kuwait Time).

The King of Saudi Arabia expressed his condolences in response to the death. The website of the state of Kuwait reported that "his Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received a telephone call Tuesday from Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud in which he extended his sincere condolences on the passing of Father Amir Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah."