The Seventeenth Ruler Of Kuwait

His Highness

Sheikh Mishal Al-ahmad Al-jaber Al-sabah

The Amir of The State of Kuwait

(Since 16 December 2023)

The Sixteenth Ruler Of Kuwait

Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

(2020 - 2023)
  • Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was born on June 25, 1937, in Kuwait City, and grew up in Dasman Palace, the royal residency during the rule of his father Sheikh Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, between the years 1921-1950. He is the sixth male child of the tenth Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Jaber from his wife Al-Yamama.

    His Highness received his education in various schools in Kuwait, such as Hamada, Sharq, and Al-Nuqra schools, then Al-Sharqiya School, and Al-Mubarakiya School, which was considered the first school in the history of Kuwait, and the alma mater for several Sheikhs who studied there, including his brothers Jaber and Sabah, Saad Al-Abdullah, Jaber Al-Ali, and Salem Al-Ali. He then continued his education in various centers in Kuwait.

    His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was named Crown Prince on February 7, 2006, during the rule of Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, and was unanimously pledged to by the National Assembly to assume the position on Feb 20 of the same year.

    After Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad passed away on September 29, 2020, His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad was called to assume the reins of power. Sheikh Nawaf took the Constitutional Oath in a private session held on September 30, 2020, at the National Assembly, thus becoming the fourth Amir in Kuwait’s history to be inducted before the National Assembly.

The Fifteenth Ruler Of Kuwait

Sheikh

Sabah Al Ahmad

(2006 - 2020)
  • Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah assumed the reins of power in 2006.

    He was known as the “Dean of Diplomacy” for his significant contributions towards the resolution of global crises. Also, he was called the “Leader of Humanity” for his endeavors to support humanitarian activities around the world, including Kuwait hosting many international conferences to support humanitarian issues.

    Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad began his reign by realizing his vision that aimed to transform the State of Kuwait into a distinguished financial and commercial center. During his reign, Kuwait witnessed a developmental renaissance in various fields.

The Fourteenth Ruler Of Kuwait

Sheikh

Saad Al Abdullah

(15 - 24 January 2006)
  • Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah assumed the reins of power after the passing of Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad in 2006.

    Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah was known for his decisiveness and determination. He played a significant role during the invasion and had a great impact on the liberation of Kuwait, so he was named the “Liberation Hero”.

    Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah served as a chief assistant for Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad, as he chaired many cabinets, most notably was Kuwait Reconstruction Cabinet, besides being the architect of Kuwait’s modern defensive system.

The Thirteenth Ruler Of Kuwait

Sheikh

Jaber Al Ahmad

(1977 - 2006)
  • Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah assumed the reins of power after the passing of Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem in 1977.

    Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad was known as the “Architect of Kuwait’s Modern Economy.” He was keen to pursue the welfare of his people. He also played an effective role in building Gulf solidarity through his idea to establish the Gulf Cooperation Council.

    The legitimate leadership and the citizens of Kuwait were in a state of cohesion whilst confronting the brutal Iraqi invasion of 1990. Owing to his wisdom and great insight, Kuwait received global recognition for its just case, leading to the nation’s liberation in 1991.

    On the political level, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad granted women their political rights.

The Twelveth Ruler Of Kuwait

Sheikh

Sabah Al Salem

(1965 - 1977)
  • Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah assumed the reins of power after the passing of his brother, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem, in 1965.

    During his reign, Kuwait witnessed significant development in all domains, most notably in education where Kuwait’s first university was inaugurated. Also, the country witnessed an economic leap as the oil sector was nationalized.

    On the global stage, Kuwait played a prominent role in addressing common Arab issues.

The Eleventh Ruler Of Kuwait

Sheikh

Abdullah Al salem

(1950 - 1965)
  • Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah assumed the reins of power after the passing of Sheikh Ahmed Al-Jaber in 1950.

    He was known as the "Pioneer of Independence" due to Kuwait gaining its full independence in 1961, leading to its association to international organizations notably the United Nations and the League of Arab States.

    Also, he was known as the “Father of the Constitution” for his approval of Kuwait’s Constitution and the institution of a democratic way of life were established.

    His wise leadership and aptitude to invest the nation’s wealth led to a significant stride in the development of the national economy, strides that were essential for Kuwait to evolve into a modern democratic nation.

The Tenth Ruler Of Kuwait

Sheikh

Ahmad BIN Jaber

(1921 - 1950)
  • Sheikh Ahmed bin Jaber Al-Sabah assumed the reins of power succeeding his late uncle, the ruler of Kuwait at the time.

    Sheikh Ahmed bin Jaber was an open minded and fond of science, farsighted with broad outlooks, and considerate judgments. Therefore, his era was characterized by renewal, reform, and prosperity in the economic, cultural, and social fields.

    He was behind Kuwait’s exportation of first oil shipment. Kuwait was also organized administratively by establishing government departments, and the first to initiate the beginnings of the democratic experience in Kuwait.

The Ninth Ruler Ok Kuwait

Sheikh

Salem Bin Mubarak

(1917 - 1921)
  • Sheikh Salem bin Mubarak Al-Sabah assumed the reins of power, succeeding his late brother Sheikh Jaber bin Mubarak in 1917.

    Sheikh Salem bin Mubarak was a firm political leader, known for his distinguished military leadership, defending Kuwait to protect its people and repel the external dangers to which it was exposed.

    He ordered the construction of the Third Wall around Kuwait City to protect it, and led his forces in the Battle of Jahra in its defense.

The Eighth Ruler Of Kuwait

Sheikh

Jaber Bin Mubarak

(1915 - 1917)
  • Sheikh Jaber bin Mubarak assumed the reins of power after the passing of his father in 1915.

    During his reign Kuwait witnessed economic prosperity and became a commercial hub for transiting goods. He reduced taxes and connected Kuwait with the world through the telegraph.

    Through his capable diplomacy, Sheikh Jaber bin Mubarak was able to forge alliances that maintained balance, guaranteeing Kuwait’s interests.

The Seventh Ruler Of Kuwait

Sheikh

Mubarak Bin Sabah

(Mubarak Al Kabeer)

(1896 - 1915)
  • Sheikh Mubarak bin Sabah (Mubarak Al-Kabeer) assumed the reins of power in 1896.

    Sheikh Mubarak is considered the founder of modern Kuwait. He was known for his wisdom, intelligence, and great insight that empowered him to lead Kuwait to safety amid the international competition of the great powers seeking to dominate the region.

    During Sheikh Mubarak’s reign, Kuwait witnessed unprecedented economic prosperity and major achievements in the fields of education, health, and social life. Also, Kuwait relations with the external world was considerably increased.

The Sixth Ruler Of Kuwait

Sheikh

Mohammad Bin Sabah

(1892 - 1896)
  • Sheikh Mohammad bin Sabah assumed the reins of power in 1892.

    During Sheikh Mohammad’s reign, multiple commercial markets were established, and the shipbuilding industry increased and flourished. Also, Pearling witnessed growth and became famous throughout the region.

The Fifth Ruler Of Kuwait

Sheikh

Abdullah Bin Sabah

(1866 - 1892)
  • Sheikh Abdullah bin Sabah assumed the reins of power, succeeding his late father, Sheikh Sabah bin Jaber, in 1866.

    During his reign, Sheikh Abdullah reinforced Kuwait’s external relations with its neighboring countries and fortified its land and marine forces. His reign was distinguished with the flourishing trade, granting Kuwait an independent economic identity by minting Kuwait’s first currency (Beiza).

The Fourth Ruler Of Kuwait

Sheikh

Sheikh Sabah Bin Jaber

(1859 - 1866)
  • Sheikh Sabah bin Jaber assumed the reins of power after the passing of his father in 1859.

    During his reign trade flourished, and Kuwait became famous for trading in Arabian horses, dates, and Pearling which significantly boosted Kuwait’s commercial imports and exports.

    Sheikh Sabah bin Jaber was keen to maintain Kuwait’s independent judiciary system.

The Third Ruler Of Kuwait

Sheikh

Sheikh Jaber Bin Abdullah

(Jaber Al-Aish)

(1813 - 1859)
  • Sheikh Jaber bin Abdullah assumed the reins of power, succeeding his late father, in 1813.

    Sheikh Jaber bin Abdullah pursued his father's policy in managing Kuwait’s affairs, and with his wisdom and political skill, he preserved Kuwait's independence and ensured its political stability.

    During his reign, Kuwait's marine and military power became prominent, and trade flourished.

    Kuwait people named Sheikh Jaber bin Abdullah “Jaber Al-Aish” for his generosity, and assistance to the poor and needy. “Aish in Kuwaiti dialect means rice”.

The Second Ruler Of Kuwait

Sheikh

Abdullah Bin Sabah

(1762 - 1813)
  • Sheikh Abdullah bin Sabah took over the reins of power after the passing of his father in 1762.

    He was known for his political acumen, which led to the rise of Kuwait’s status in the region, and the growth of Kuwait's commercial and marine power.

    During the reign of Sheikh Abdullah bin Sabah, the First and Second Walls of Kuwait were constructed to protect Kuwait from external attacks.

The First Ruler Of Kuwait

Sheikh

Sabah Bin Jaber

(Sabah I)

(1718 - 1762)
  • In 1718, Sheikh Sabah bin Jaber pledged allegiance to become the first ruler of Kuwait.

    Sheikh Sabah Al-Awal set out to establish a new entity distinguished by its internal organization and external relations. In a short period of time, Kuwait gained a good political and commercial reputation in the region. He devoted his life for Kuwait’s protection and its prosperity.

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