Mishal spent most of his career in Kuwait's security and intelligence apparatus. Prior to becoming Emir at age 83, he was the oldest crown prince in the world. Mishal attended the Al Mubarakiya School in Kuwait for primary education, [ 2 ] then went abroad to the United Kingdom for studies at the Hendon Police College , from which he graduated in From to , he served as head of the MOI's intelligence and state security service. The deputy chief is one of Kuwait's most powerful interior defense positions, and Mishal was the most powerful man in the agency, as the chief is a symbolic position held by Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah , the most senior member of the House of Sabah.
At the KNG, Mishal led a reform of the agency and crackdown on corruption. Shortly after his half-brother Sabah became emir in , Mishal was considered one of the top three decision-makers in the Al-Sabah ruling family. During his tenure, Mishal had reportedly turned down more senior roles in order to avoid political disputes and maintain his relationships in the family.
As his half-brother Sabah's health started to fail, Mishal's influence grew, and he accompanied Sabah on official visits, including to the Mayo Clinic in the United States for medical treatment. Crown Prince Nawaf became emir upon the death of his half-brother Sabah on 29 September According to Kuwaiti law, Nawaf had a one-year period in which to select his crown prince.
After a record-short eight days, he selected his half-brother Mishal on 7 October. The appointment of Mishal, among the Kuwaiti ruling family's oldest members, was interpreted by some analysts as a sign that the country rulers wanted to avoid significant change, such as a transition to the next generation of leaders. Mishal was expected to assume a larger role than previous crown princes due to Nawaf's advanced age.
In response to political gridlock in Kuwait , Crown Prince Mishal, not Nawaf, announced the dissolution of the Kuwait National Assembly on 17 April , citing in a television address a law that empowered the emir to do so.
