Kuwait
The Al-Sabah family is Kuwait’s ruling dynasty dating back to 1756, when Sheikh Sabah bin Jaber I was chosen by the local trading community as its first ruler. A succession of thirteen rulers have followed who have overseen the transformation of a small trading, fishing and pearl diving settlement at the head of the Arabian Gulf to one of the most prosperous nations in the Middle East. Due to its location, Kuwait has always functioned as an important entrepot between trade routes from east and west.
Modern state builtupon a rich heritage
Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness, the Amir of the State of Kuwait
In 1899 the Ottoman Empire threatened to take control of the area and this led to the rise of a pivotal figure in Kuwait’s history: Sheikh Mubarak al-Sabah al-Sabah. Commonly known as Mubarak the Great and considered Kuwait’s founder, he reigned from 1896 to 1915, and in 1899 established Kuwait as a British protectorate.
In exchange for protection, Kuwait gave up its foreign policy to the British. Mubarak the Great was able to manage the merchant interests of the town and inter-tribal issues well, through an open and consensual form of governance. Views were expressed openly in Diwaniyah forums, where members of the public can express their views in the presence of rulers, a tradition which still continues today.
During this time the threat of invasion receded and Kuwait flourished as an important trading center. Oil was discovered in 1938 by the Kuwait Oil Company and production began after World War II, after which the country rapidly developed into a prosperous modern nation.
In 1961 under Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al Sabah, Kuwait gained its independence from the British and soon after joined the United Nations and the Arab League. The 1962 constitution provides for election to a national assembly (majlis) which limits the power of the ruling family.
The Amir however holds exclusive executive power, and continues to be selected by and from members of the ruling Al-Sabah family. He is also empowered to appoint a Prime Minister and a Cabinet of Ministers who are usually drawn form the Al-Sabah family. The present Amir of Kuwait is HH Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the third son of the late Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who was the Amir of Kuwait from 1921-1950.
Kuwait’s current Crown Prince is HH Sheikh Saad Al-Abdallah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, a former Prime Minister and eldest son of the late Sheikh Abdallah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, 11th Amir of Kuwait. The Amir rules through the current Prime Minister, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
Kuwait remains one of the Middle East’ few democracies and most open political societies. It achieves a delicate balance between modern liberal aspirations and its rich heritage of the 300 year-old Al-Sabah dynasty.
