Monday marked the first anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s proclamation as the Amir of Kuwait. On December 16, 2023, following the passing of the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Cabinet announced Sheikh Meshal’s appointment as Amir in accordance with the Constitution and Article 4 of the Succession Law. Sheikh Meshal formally took the constitutional oath on December 20, 2023, becoming Kuwait’s 17th Amir.
Career of leadership and service
Born in 1940, Sheikh Meshal is the seventh son of the late Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s 10th ruler. He was educated from an early age within the House of Al-Sabah, where his family played a pivotal role in shaping his early education. His parents and other senior family members took part in teaching him the basics of reading and writing before he went on to attend Al-Mubarakiya School, Kuwait’s first school. This strong foundation in education, fostered by his family’s guidance, set the stage for his future achievements.
Sheikh Meshal continued his studies in the United Kingdom, where he graduated from Hendon Police College in 1960. Upon returning to Kuwait, he joined the newly-established Ministry of the Interior, rising through the ranks and becoming a key figure in developing Kuwait’s security infrastructure. In 1987, he was appointed to the Public Inspection Department, where he served in various leadership roles for nearly 20 years.
In 2004, Sheikh Meshal was appointed Deputy Chief of the National Guard, overseeing major reforms to enhance Kuwait’s national security. In 2020, he was appointed Crown Prince, and on December 16, 2023, he succeeded Sheikh Nawaf as Amir.
Key achievements
Over the past year, Sheikh Meshal’s leadership has focused on both domestic development and regional cooperation. In May 2024, Sheikh Meshal made the historic decision to dissolve parliament and temporarily suspend certain articles of the constitution to reassess the country’s democratic process. Locally, he has championed several initiatives, including the inauguration of Abdullah Al-Salem University and Sabah Al-Salem University City. He also attended several award ceremonies, honoring researchers and teachers, including the KFAS awards ceremony held in December.
In his efforts to strengthen regional ties, Sheikh Meshal has led official visits to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE. Under his leadership, Kuwait hosted the 45th GCC Summit on December 1, 2024, reinforcing cooperation among Gulf nations and addressing critical regional challenges. His advocacy for regional unity is also reflected in his support for the Palestinian cause and his commitment to protecting Arab sovereignty.
Sheikh Meshal’s international diplomacy has been marked by visits to Turkey, where he signed six agreements, and meetings with global leaders such as UN Secretary-General António Guterres and European Council President Charles Michel. These visits underscore his efforts to promote Kuwait’s global presence and work towards peaceful resolutions to international issues.
As Kuwait celebrates His Highness Sheikh Meshal’s first anniversary as Amir, the nation remains on a path of growth and development. His Highness’s leadership has ensured that Kuwait continues to thrive regionally and internationally, building on the legacy of past rulers while shaping a prosperous future for the people of Kuwait. — KUNA
