Kuwaiti Emir to travel to US to continue medical treatment

The Ruler of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, will travel to the US early on Thursday to continue medical treatment on the advice of his doctors, the state-run news agency reported.

Kuwait on Sunday announced that the 91-year-old emir had a “successful surgery” after being admitted to the hospital the day before. Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah has temporarily assumed some of his functions and duties.

The energy-dependent monarchy, whose 1.4 million citizens are among the world’s wealthiest by average per capita income, is home to about 8.5 per cent of global oil reserves, according to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Oil and gas account for about 40 per cent of Kuwait’s economic output and more than 90 per cent of export revenues.

Under Sheikh Sabah, Kuwait has often been a regional power broker, mediating inter-Arab disputes.