The Al-Sabahs have been the Ruling family of Kuwait since about 1752. Every member of the Ruling family ( regardless of the age ) is referred to as Sheikh and this title is put infront of the member's first name. The Al-Sabah dynasty is not strictly hereditary, and although many Emirs have succeeded their fathers, the Ruling family chooses their leader from each succeeding generation, rather than selecting from the children of the current ruler.

Sheikh Mubarak was succeeded as ruler by his son Jaber (1915-17) and another son Salem (1917-21). Subsequent Emirs descended from these two brothers. Sheikh Ahmed Al-Jaber Al Sabah ruled from 1921 until his death in 1950, and Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al Sabah from 1950 to 1965. Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem ruled after the death of his brother Sheikh Abdullah, from 1965 to 1977. Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad is the present ruler.

The al-Sabah Dynasty

• 1752 - 1776 -- Sabah bin Jaber
• 1776 - 1814 -- Abdullah bin Sabah
• 1814 - 1859 -- Jaber bin Abdullah

See also: History of Kuwait, List of emirs of Kuwait