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Royal Families · Kuwait
The Al Sabah family has led Kuwait since the mid-1700s, guiding a small trading port into a modern state; the story of Kuwait's ruling family adds meaning to any Kuwait travel itinerary.
At a glance
Merchant town
In the early 18th century families of the Bani Utub settled on the bay where Kuwait City now stands. Around 1752 they chose Sabah bin Jaber, known as Sabah I, to lead them, and his descendants have led Kuwait ever since. The arrangement grew from consultation between the ruling family and the merchant families, a tradition of dialogue that still marks Kuwaiti public life.
The town thrived on pearling, boatbuilding and long-distance trade, sending wooden dhows to India and East Africa. Read the wider story in Kuwait's history and culture and in our feature on pearling in the Gulf.
Mubarak the Great
Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah, who ruled from 1896 to 1915, is remembered as Mubarak the Great, the founder of the modern state. Every Amir since has been one of his descendants.
Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Amir from 1950 to 1965, led Kuwait to independence on 19 June 1961 and gave the country its 1962 constitution, which established an elected National Assembly. He used the new oil wealth to build schools, hospitals and housing, laying the foundations of a modern welfare state. Kuwait's National Day is celebrated every 25 February, followed by Liberation Day on 26 February.
Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir from 2006 to 2020 and for four decades before that the country's foreign minister, was named a Humanitarian Leader by the United Nations in 2014, recognizing Kuwait's generosity in relief and development around the world. His years of patient mediation earned him wide respect across the region.
Amir and Crown Prince today
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has been Amir since 16 December 2023. The Crown Prince is His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, appointed on 1 June 2024 and previously a long-serving foreign minister and prime minister. The Prime Minister is His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
Kuwait's long-term plans for a diversified economy, logistics and tourism are set out in Kuwait Vision 2035.
Culture and the al-Sabah
The family's cultural contribution is best seen in the al-Sabah Collection, one of the great collections of Islamic art in the world, built by Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Sheikha Hussah Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. Sheikha Hussah directs Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah, which shares the collection through exhibitions, lectures and concerts in Kuwait City and loans to museums abroad.
The Kuwait Towers, opened in 1979, became the emblem of the modern city and remain a favorite evening view; see Kuwait City luxury hotels.
Kuwait uses the spelling Amir. The head of state is His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and the Crown Prince is His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Other members of the family carry the title Sheikh or Sheikha. Kuwaiti names often include the father's and grandfather's names, and it is courteous to use the full form in writing.
Ruling-family heritage to see
Places in Kuwait City that reflect the Al Sabah story.
Exhibitions drawn from one of the world's leading collections of Islamic art, in a cultural center run by Sheikha Hussah.
Official site ↗The Amir's official seat on the waterfront, with its blue-tiled clock tower; seen from outside.
Museums of science, natural history and Islamic heritage, named for the Amir of independence.
The city's emblem since 1979, with an observation sphere over the Gulf.
Kuwait rewards travelers who enjoy culture, art and the authentic Gulf. Begin with our Kuwait travel guide, and compare the region's royal houses on royal families of the Middle East.
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