Abdullah I Al-Sabah

Who was Abdullah I Al-Sabah?

Sheikh Abdullah I bin Sabah Al-Sabah was the second ruler of Kuwait's Al-Sabah dynasty, ruling from 1764 to May 3, 1814. He was the youngest son of Sabah bin Jaber, upon whose death he succeeded. He was elected to the position by chiefs and notables despite his standing as the youngest son. He is also the father of Jaber I Al-Sabah who succeeded him.

Bin Sabah is credited with building the first defensive walls in Kuwait. During his reign, Kuwait also extended its commercial contacts into what is now India, Yemen, and Iraq. Also during this period, Kuwait established relations with the British East India Company.