Kuwait Crown Prince (Amir) 1977-2006

Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah succeeded Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah as the AMIR of Kuwait on December 31, 1977, becoming the thirteenth Amir of the Al-Sabah Family and the third Kuwaiti Amir since its independence. At the age of 49 Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah became the ruler of Kuwait. during his rule, Kuwait witnessed various challenges and trials that showed the late Emir’s great skill and resolve and proved the people of Kuwait’s loyalty. Perhaps the greatest tragedy Kuwait faced was during his rule when the country was invaded by the Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein in 1990. He steered the country through these difficult times with wisdom and political expertise which earned him and Kuwait the world’s appreciation and regard.

His 28 years as the leader of Kuwait abounded with accomplishments- especially in the economic development of the country- not only for the present but also for the future generations of Kuwait. He is known worldwide for engineering the economic development of Kuwait. In Kuwait, where he is regarded as Baba Jaber, he is remembered by the average Kuwaiti as a father figure who paid particular attention to the welfare of children, youth, the elderly, those with special needs and for his unofficial visits to diwaniyahs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, where he mingled with his fellow countrymen.

Achievements of the late Emir of Kuwait:-

Social Development:

 Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Improved the lifestyle of the people of Kuwait through the development and modernization of the country and to lead his people towards the 21st century. He carefully studied the social changes experienced by Kuwaiti society after the discovery of oil, the influx of Arab and other foreign labor to Kuwait and the travel of Kuwaitis for tourism and education abroad. Therefore, the late Emir’s instructions on the advancement of the Kuwaiti society topped national work priorities.

Education:

The late Emir sought to eliminate illiteracy in Kuwait, because he believed that this would be the only means for achieving development in the country. Therefore, his campaign to eliminate illiteracy resulted in issuing a decree to enact a law on August 23, 1981, which stipulated that education and literacy shall be compulsory to all citizens.

Democracy

His Highness, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed, helped the country cope well with all on-going changes. His policy on the maintenance of a democratic life and public freedoms was well defined. The late Emir affirmed that democratic and consultation-based rule is the basis of all political, social and economic decisions. Hence, even when on more than one occasion the National Assembly of Kuwait rejected his decrees- which granted the women of Kuwait their right to political participation- he accepted the decision as a sign of democracy.

The late Emir’s concern for human rights extended to the international community. All his speeches before international forums, especially the UN, have always referred to the means of combating racial discrimination and segregation. During his rule, Kuwait took many steps to support human rights by signing many international agreements against all forms of racial discrimination, such as the International Declaration of Human Rights and the International conventions of Political, Social and Cultural Rights.

International Relations: