Kuwait's Emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, appointed Ahmad Abdullah al-Ahmad al-Sabah as the country's new Prime Minister on Monday, according to the state news agency KUNA.

This appointment follows the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah in April.  His resignation was a customary step required after the country held its fourth parliamentary election since December 2020.

Kuwait, a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), is unique in the Gulf region for having a relatively open political system despite a ban on political parties.  However, the Emir retains ultimate authority over state affairs.

The appointment of a new Prime Minister suggests the formation of a new government to address the priorities of the recently elected parliament. It remains to be seen how the new leadership will navigate Kuwait's political and economic landscape in the coming months. (ILKHA)