Historical Background of His Highness AMIR of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

The shining history of leaders, particularly those who had a great impact on the destiny of their peoples and whose achievements stand as objects of praise for successive generations, is very difficult to be summarized in a few pages. History cannot but proudly record their leadership in achieving the development, welfare and prosperity of their nations.

His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, AMIR of Kuwait, is one of those leaders who did their best to serve both their people and nation.

Hence, he is beloved and greatly appreciated by everyone as the leader of the state and the shepherd of the community at critical times in the modern history of Kuwait.

It is, therefore, worthy to record his success as Chief of Public Security in the Oil Regions, Head of the Finance Department, Minister of Finance and Economy, Prime Minister, Crown prince, and finally as AMIR of a country made up of a small area and population, yet great in future aspirations. When describing the period in which Kuwait managed to become a truly civilized and democratic state, this was the true rule of the cherished Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. We are going to mention His Highness’s way of thinking, education, and diplomacy, in addition to his career, leadership activities and his future aspirations.

Education

He is the third son of the late Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, previous AMIR of Kuwait, the thirteenth AMIR of the Al-Sabah family and the third Amir of Kuwait since its independence.

His Highness Sheikh Jaber was born in Kuwait in 1928. He studied at Al-Mubarakiya, Al-Ahmadiya and Al-Sharqiya Schools. He set the example of an ideal, careful, well-mannered and humble student who showed respect to both his colleagues and his teachers.

As there was no higher education in Kuwait at that time, he was given the opportunity to continue his education in different fields from a number of specialized tutors. Hence, he was always up to the challenge, be it political, economic or social. He also had the opportunity to visit many of the developed nations, where he closely observed the conditions of these societies, their civilized life and the great advances and developments they had achieved in all aspects of life. He also noticed how they adopted modern technology.

Leadership

His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah was a wise leader like all his great ancestors who steered through troubled waters to protect Kuwait, keep it independent and establish a sovereign state. It is a bounty every citizen in Kuwait can easily recognize.

Philosophy

His Highness’s philosophy is the outcome of rich experience, combined with a realistic vision of the daily global competition in all fields, to achieve a place in the 21st century. It is also the fruit of knowledge he acquired in different periods and in different places and conditions. Add to this his practical, career, diplomatic and leadership activities that inspired him to have a clear outlook for today and the future.

Efforts

To achieve peace and security, sustain human rights, support democracy, freedom of speech and maintain continuous development, have been the main concerns to which His Highness has devoted his efforts.

Diplomacy

The diplomacy of His Highness was clearly manifested in establishing friendly relationships based on mutual understanding and exchange of mutual interests with almost all world countries. These good relationships resulted in the proper stance taken by those countries during the Iraqi aggression on Kuwait. His diplomacy was further reflected in his careful consideration of international issues and the speeches he delivered in this regard at international events.

His Career and Political Activities

Before becoming Crown prince

1. Chief of Public Security in Al-Ahmadi City:

His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah began his career as Chief of Public Security in Al-Ahmadi City in January 1949. The city witnessed the transition of the Kuwaiti community from hard living conditions to social well-being and the realization of modern civilization.

This phase has greatly contributed to providing His Highness with vast administrative experience, besides acquiring technical knowledge about oil and its economy. Due to his belief that this strategic product is the backbone of the Kuwaiti economy, both in the present and in future, he gave it due consideration.

2. Head of Finance Department:

In 1959, His Highness became Head of the Finance Department. The new position was in line with His Highness’s interest in the oil industry. His experience as former Chief of Public Security in the Oil Regions gave him a unique understanding of the oil economy. He was fully aware of the requirements of his community and the country’s relationship with the oil companies working in Kuwait.

3. The first ministerial position:

His Highness was selected to be part of the first government to be formed after the independence of Kuwait. On January 17, 1962, he was chosen as the first Minister of Finance and Economy, and as such, he continued in charge of the country’s economy from 1959 to 1965. In addition to his ministerial position as a Minister of Finance and Economy, he also held the position of Deputy Prime Minister, as well as representing His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the AMIR of Kuwait, and His Highness the Crown prince and Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah during their absence.

His Highness realized great achievements in the period he held the finance portfolio. The most important of them were:

1 – The establishment of The Credit Bank to facilitate real estate, industrial and agricultural credit. This aimed at increasing the income of both the state and citizens through the participation of individuals in industrial, agricultural and real estate projects as well as establishing joint venture companies.

2 – Issuing a Kuwaiti currency to replace the Indian Rupee, in order to stop using the currency of another country, which could negatively affect Kuwait’s sovereignty.

3 – The establishment of the Kuwait Currency Board, an important authority which supervised issuing banknotes and coins in Kuwait.

4 – Establishing the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development with a capital of 50,000,000 Kuwaiti Dinars at the direction of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, with the hope that this fund would boost economic development in the fellow Arab states.

[source Kuwait.kw]