Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah has been the Emir of Kuwait since 2006. He became emir a week after the death of his brother Jaber when the intended successor could not take office due to illness. He ascended the throne after over 50 years of service in Kuwait's government, including 40 years as foreign minister. During his reign, several significant reforms have been enacted to ensure more freedom of expression, political freedoms, and women's rights.

During the Arab Spring, Kuwait saw limited protests; Kuwait is more affluent than the nations where revolutions have succeeded. In February, the king distributed food and money to citizens to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Saddam Hussein's defeat and the 50th anniversary of Kuwait's independence. A particular grievance of the protesters is the King's nephew, Prime Minister Nasser Mohammed Al-Sabah, who has been accused of corruption, among other grievances. 

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