Qatari emir arrives in Kuwait amid inter-Gulf tensions

By Ahmed al-Masri

DOHA, Qatar (AA) - Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al-Thani on Wednesday arrived in Kuwait City to meet Kuwaiti counterpart Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, according to Kuwait’s official KUNA news agency.

“Qatar’s emir arrived in the country for a brotherly visit, during which he plans to congratulate Sheikh Sabah on the occasion of Ramadan," KUNA reported.

Al-Thani’s visit comes shortly after a wave of unprecedented criticism of Qatar in the Saudi and United Arab Emirates media.

Last week, the website of Qatar’s official news agency was allegedly hacked by unknown individuals who reportedly published statements falsely attributed to Sheikh Tamim.

The incident prompted a diplomatic row between Doha on one hand and Abu Dhabi and Riyadh on the other.

Some observers believe Wednesday’s visit to Kuwait by Sheikh Tamim is linked to efforts by the Kuwaiti emir to help smooth relations between the Gulf neighbors.