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Sabah III Al-Salim Al-Sabah
Emir of Kuwait
(1913–77)

Biographical

Emir of Kuwait 1965–77†
Crown Prince of Kuwait 1962–65
His Highness 1962
Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George 1959 [UK]

Prime Minister of Kuwait 1963–65
Deputy Prime Minister of Kuwait 1962–63
Minister of Foreign Affairs 1962–63
Member of the Supreme Council 1955–61
Commandant of the Kuwait Police 1938–55

Following the legacy of his forefathers, Sabah spearheaded Kuwait's remarkable progress, marked by significant strides in various sectors such as science, healthcare, housing, and economics. His contributions included the establishment of numerous schools, the Kuwait University, and several hospitals, alongside laying the groundwork for several national industries. Notably, he prioritised housing initiatives, especially for low-income families. He came to power after his brother's death in 1965, and under his rule, Kuwait witnessed a substantial economic transformation with the nationalisation of the oil sector. Internationally, Kuwait emerged as a key player in addressing collective Arab concerns, highlighting Sabah's global influence.

Place of birth: Kuwait
Place of first marriage: Kuwait
Place of first marriage: Kuwait City
Place of death: Kuwait City

Son of Mubarak Al-Sabah, Sheikh of Kuwait, and Munira Al-Debbus. He was married firstly, in 1936, to Munira, daughter of Fahad Al-Adwani, and secondly to Nuria Al-Sabah. He had issue.

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