The House of Sabah (Arabic: آل صباح Al Sabah) is the ruling family of Kuwait. They are a clan from the `Anizzah tribe which migrated to Kuwait in the early 18th century from Najd (current day Saudi Arabia). They are also from the Utub tribe. After reaching Kuwait, they entered in an alliance with the other families of the Utub such as Al-Khalifa and Al Jalahma. They have ruled Kuwait since 1718 when Sabah I became Sheikh (chief) of Kuwait. Subse...
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The House of Sabah (Arabic: آل صباح Al Sabah) is the ruling family of Kuwait. They are a clan from the `Anizzah tribe which migrated to Kuwait in the early 18th century from Najd (current day Saudi Arabia). They are also from the Utub tribe. After reaching Kuwait, they entered in an alliance with the other families of the Utub such as Al-Khalifa and Al Jalahma. They have ruled Kuwait since 1718 when Sabah I became Sheikh (chief) of Kuwait. Subsequent sheikhs are the descendants of Sabah I. The sons of Sabah I were Salman, Mohammad, Mubarak, Malik and Abdullah.
The Emir of Kuwait is the head of the executive branch. He is nominated by a family council headed by the most senior and prominent members of the Al-Sabah. The leadership is not strictly hereditary and although many Emirs have succeeded their fathers, the family chooses the leader from each succeeding generation. For example, the late Sheikh Jaber Al-Sabah appointed his cousin, Sheikh Sheikh Saad, as heir apparent.
The Kuwaiti...
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