Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait
Kuwait is located in western Asia on the northern edge of Eastern Arabia at the tip of the Persian Gulf. It shares borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Originally a sheikhdom ruled by local sheikhs, Kuwait became a British Protectorate in 1899. The sheikhs still had power during the British Protectorate. Kuwait was granted independence in 1961 and Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah became the first Emir of Kuwait. The rulers of Kuwait belong to the House of Al-Sabah.
The Emir of Kuwait is nominated by a family council headed by prominent members of the family. The Crown Prince of Kuwait is also nominated by the family council and must be a senior member of the House of Al-Sabah. Both the Emir and the Crown Prince must be approved by the Kuwaiti parliament.
House of Al-Sabah (1752 – present)
Rulers since 1977
- Jaber III Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, 13th Ruler and 3rd Emir of Kuwait (reigned 1977 – 2006)
- Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah, 14th Ruler and 4th Emir of Kuwait (reigned 2006, abdicated due to illness)
- Sabah IV Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, 15th Ruler and 5th Emir of Kuwait (reigned 2006 – 2020)
- Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, 16th Ruler and 6th Emir of Kuwait (reigned 2020 – 2023)
- Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, 17th Ruler and 7th Emir of Kuwait (reigned 2023 – present)
Heir Apparent
- (A Crown Prince needs to be named.)