Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah عبدالله السالم المبارك الصباح
His Highness
Emir of Kuwait
Reign	29 January 1950 – 24 November 1965
Coronation	25 February 1950
Predecessor	Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
Successor	Sabah III Al-Salim Al-Sabah
Born	1895 Sheikhdom of Kuwait
Died	24 November 1965(1965-11-24) (aged 69–70)
Father	Salim Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah
Mother	Sheikha Mariam bint Jarrah Al-Sabah

Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah (born in 1895 – died on 24 November 1965) was a very important leader in Kuwait. He was the eleventh ruler of Kuwait. He was also the very first Emir (which means ruler or prince) of the modern State of Kuwait. He led the country's military forces from January 29, 1950, until he passed away.

Life and Leadership

Early Life and Role

Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah was the oldest son of Salim Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah. Before becoming the ruler, he worked as the minister of finance for Kuwait from 1939 to 1940. He became the ruler after his cousin, Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, died. He also acted as a temporary ruler (called a regent) after his father's death, until Sheikh Ahmad was chosen as the next leader.

Founding Modern Kuwait

Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah is known as the founder of modern Kuwait. He was different from the rulers before him because he wanted Kuwait to be more independent. He signed a special agreement with the British on June 19, 1961. This agreement officially ended Kuwait's status as a "protectorate." A protectorate means a country is protected and partly controlled by another, stronger country.

New Laws and Government

After gaining full independence, Sheikh Abdullah introduced the Constitution of Kuwait in 1962. A constitution is a set of basic laws that a country is governed by. This was a big step for Kuwait. In 1963, he also set up the Parliament. The Parliament is a group of elected people who make laws for the country. He strongly believed in having a government based on a constitution and a parliament where people's voices could be heard.

Kuwait's National Day

The day he officially became the ruler, February 25, is now celebrated as Kuwait's national day. It's a special holiday for the country.

His Passing

Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah died in 1965. He had a heart attack during a meeting of the National Assembly. After his death, his half-brother, Sabah III Al-Salim Al-Sabah, became the next ruler. Sheikh Abdullah was also the father of Sheikh Saad, who briefly ruled Kuwait in January 2006.

See Also

• List of emirs of Kuwait

Images for kids

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