The late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Bin Sabah

Abdullah I was elected to the position of sheikh by chiefs and other notables, despite being Sheikh Sabah’s youngest son. Known for his intelligence, bravery, shrewdness and generosity, his reign saw the extension of Kuwait’s commercial interests to what are now India, Yamen and Iraq. It was also during his reign that direct relations were established with the representatives of the British East India Company in the Gulf, which turned Kuwait in to a major route for the caravans passing from Al- Basra to Aleppo.

Notable events during his reign include:

The Battle of Al-Reqqa: The Banu Kaab, an Iraqi Tribe, wanted to annexe Kuwait for their land, but Kuwait emerged from the battle victorious.

Kuwait’s first defensive walls were constructed.