Kuwait: Period of mourning announced following death of Emir Sheikh Sabah on September 29 /update 1

Event

A 40-day period of mourning has been announced following the death of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah on Tuesday, September 29. The 91-year-old emir had been ill for several months and was in the US for medical treatment. Government offices are to be closed for three days. Large gatherings and associated road closures are to be expected as Kuwaiti citizens gather to mourn the passing of the emir. 

Significant disruptions are likely in Kuwait over the near term.

Advice

Those in Kuwait are advised to maintain a heightened level of situational awareness in the medium term, remaining respectful and avoiding discussing sensitive topics in public. Travelers should monitor local media sources to remain apprised of any disruption in their particular area of operations.