Abdullah III Al-Salim Al-Sabah

Who was Abdullah III Al-Salim Al-Sabah?

Abdullah III Al-Salim Al-Sabah GCMG, CIE, KStJ was the last Sheikh and first Emir of Kuwait from 29 January 1950 until his death, and the eldest son of Salem Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah. As the eleventh ruler of the al-Sabah dynasty in Kuwait, he took power after the death of his cousin Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He also ruled as regent upon the death of his father until the election of Sheikh Ahmad.

Unlike his predecessors, he was more pro-Arab than pro-British. He effectively ended the British "protectorate" status of Kuwait by signing a treaty with the British on 19 June 1961. As a man he was known to be modest, of considerable intelligence and for having a keen interest in matters of the intellect. His reign coincided with turbulent times in the middle-east as well as the rest of the third world. He introduced the Constitution of Kuwait in 1962, followed by the parliament in 1963. He also declared himself as "Emir" and head of state.