 The
Late Amir Sheikh Mubarak Al Sabah
(Mubarak the Great) Sheikh Mubarak is credited with establishing
a modern Kuwait. A highly intelligent and astute individual,
he was able to deal effectively with constant imperialistic
ambitions. His skill, political acumen and vast experience
were central characteristics of his policies and his
reign. Above all, the welfare of Kuwait and its people
were placed at the top of his agenda.
He also achieved equilibrium in Kuwaiti
relations with the rest of the world, and endowed
the country with a unique character that would enable
it to make independent decisions in the years to come.
This strengthened Kuwait’s position with other
countries, transforming it from a coveted emirate
in to an effective political entity, with established
boundaries and activities in the international arena.
Key events in his Reign:
- Kuwait was chosen to be the venue for an important
meeting held by Charles Hardinge, the British
Viceroy of India before First World War, to gauge
the intention of Arab rulers towards Britain,
Sheikh Mubarak was keen to confirm Kuwait’s
neutrality.
- He upheld and descended the 1899 treaty which
recognized as “an independent country under
British Protection”.
- By signing an agreement in 1913, he succeeded
in settling the northern boundaries of Kuwait
thereby blocking any attempt on the part of Kuwait’s
aggressors to take its land, specially the Islands
of Warba and Bubiyan.
- Mubarak the Great constantly strived to serve
Kuwait. Domestically he established strong administration
and diplomatically, he carved out an international
standing for his country- the roots of the modern
Kuwait we know today.
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