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| Kuwait's Rulers |
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The Al Sabah's have ruled Kuwait since the late eighteenth century when a number of families from the Bani Utub tribe migrated from what is now central Saudi Arabia and eventually settled in Kuwait. Once there, they set up a self-governing political unit and c. 1756, the settlers chose Sabah bin Jaber to be their leader. Thus, the Al Sabah dynasty was established, and the rest as they is say, is history! During the nineteenth century it was the custom for the position of Emir to pass from father to son. However, when Mubarak the Great came to power, this changed, and from then on rulers alternated between the two lines established by his sons - the Al Jaber and Al Salem branches of the Al Sabah family.
 | Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah |
HH Sheikh Sabah is the current Emir of Kuwait. He assumed the position following the abdication of Sheikh Saad in January 2006.
 | Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Al Salem Al Sabah |
Sheikh Saad became Kuwait's Emir after Sheikh Jaber passed away. He ruled for only a few weeks before abdicating due to ill health.
 | Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah |
 | Sheikh Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah |
 | Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Al Sabah |
 | Sheikh Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah |
 | Sheikh Salem Al Mubarak Al Sabah |
 | Sheikh Jaber Al Mubarak Al Sabah |
 | Sheikh Mubarak bin Sabah Al Sabah |
Sheikh Mohammed Al Sabah Al Sabah
Sheikh Abdullah II bin Sabah Al Sabah
Sheikh Sabah II bin Jaber Al Sabah
Sheikh Jaber bin Abdullah Al Sabah
Sheikh Jaber was Sheikh Abdullah I's eldest son. Nicknamed 'Jaber Al Aish' (meaning Jaber the Generous), because he gave out rice and bread to the poor, he was also a strong leader. He declined Britain's offer to turn Kuwait into a British Protectorate, asserting that Kuwait was an independent nation. He also assisted the Ottomans in protecting Basra and Mahmara (both in modern-day Iraq) from the Banu Kaab.
Sheikh Abdullah I bin Sabah Al Sabah
Abdullah bin Sabah was Sheikh Sabah I's youngest son, but despite this, he was chosen by tribal leaders to take over from his father. He's credited with building the first defensive walls in Kuwait. Under his rule, trading contacts were extended with Iraq, Yemen and India, and commercial contacts were also made with the British East India Company.
Sheikh Sabah I bin Jaber Sabah (c.1752 - 1762)
After eventually settling in what is now modern-day Kuwait, heads of families of the Bani Utub tribe established a self-governing political unit. The three leading families were responsible for different areas of government. The Al Sabah controlled local administrative matters, justice and foreign affairs. The Al Khalifa (now the rulers of Qatar) dealt with pearl diving and trade and the Al Jalahima with boats and maritime affairs. It was only after these two families left due to a disagreement with the Al Sabah that Sabah bin Jaber became the undisputed leader of Kuwait and its people. Despite the rift with the Al Khalifa, the two settlements enjoyed good relations with one another and often traded goods. Sheikh Sabah's primary task was to represent his community in terms of foreign policy, negotiating with the Ottoman Empire and with neigbouring tribes. It is thought that he died around 1764, and upon his death, he was succeeded by his son, Sheikh Abdullah I.
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