Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah


Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah is a Kuwaiti diplomat and politician, who had been serving in different ministerial posts from 2006 until his appointment as Prime Minister of Kuwait in 2019. In addition, he is a senior member of the ruling family of Kuwait, the Al Sabah family.

Early life and education

Sabah was born on 3 March 1953. He is the son of Khalid bin Hamad Al Sabah and Mouza bint Ahmad Al Sabah, daughter of Ahmad bin Jabir Almubark Al Sabah, who was the ruler of Kuwait from 1921 to 1950. He is the brother of Mohammad Al Khalid Al Sabah, deputy prime minister and interior minister of Kuwait. His other brother Ahmad Al Khalid Al Sabah is the former deputy prime minister and defense minister.
He holds a bachelor's degree in political sciences, which he received from Kuwait University in 1977.

Career

Sabah started his career in 1978, joining the ministry of foreign affairs. Until 1995 he worked at the ministry in various capacities, including being a member of Kuwait's permanent mission to the United Nations. In 1995, he became Kuwait's ambassador to Saudi Arabia and served in the post until 1998. During this period he was also Kuwait's envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference. From 1998 to 2006 he was the chief of the national security.
In July 2006, he was given his first ministerial role and appointed minister of social affairs and labor. He was also the acting foreign minister during this period. His tenure as minister of social affairs and labor lasted until October 2007 when he was named as minister of information. Then he was named an advisor in the Amiri Diwan. In February 2010, he was appointed to the Supreme Petroleum Council.
On 22 October 2011, he became both deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs. Sabah replaced Mohammad Al Sabah as foreign minister. In a reshuffle of 14 December 2011 Sabah was also appointed minister of state for cabinet affairs. Later this post was assumed by Mohammad Abdullah Al Mubarak Al Sabah. On 4 August 2013, Sabah was made first deputy prime minister in addition to his post as foreign minister.

Personal life

Sabah is married to Aida Salim Al Ali Al Sabah and has two children. Aida Al Sabah is the board chair of Sheikh Salim Al Ali Al Sabah Informatics Award.

Honors and awards

Sabah was awarded the Order of King Abdulaziz in 1998 and the Order of St Michael and St George on 27 November 2012.