With the passing of Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Kuwait bids farewell to its 16th ruler, marking the end of a 267-year era since the first leader of the Al-Sabah family assumed power in 1756. The Kuwaiti cabinet Saturday named Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah as Emir, to succeed the late ruler, pursuant to the provisions of the Kuwaiti constitution. Sheikh Sabah bin Jaber Al Sabah, born at the beginning of the 18th century, was the first ruler of the Al-Sabah family in Kuwait.