Kuwait loses the dean of the Al-Sabah family

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 12 : The Amiri Diwan announced on Monday that Chief of the Kuwait National Guard (KNG) His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Salem Al- Mubarak Al-Sabah passed away. The Deputy Commander of the Kuwait National Guard (KNG) Sheikh Faisal Nawaf Al- Ahmad Al-Sabah, along with the National Guard Undersecretary Lieutenant General Hashem Al- Rifai, and others mourned the demise of the head of the KNG His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Salem Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah. First Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousuf Saud Al-Sabah has extended, on Monday, heartfelt condolences to the political leadership of Kuwait on the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Salem Al- Ali Al-Sabah, Chief of the Kuwait National Guard.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defense conveyed Sheikh Fahad Yousuf Al-Sabah’s prayers for Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah and his sincere sympathies with His Highness the Amir, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and the entire Al-Sabah family.

In a press statement, the National Guard expressed deep pride and respect for Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah’s distinguished contributions to the establishment of the Kuwait National Guard and offered heartfelt sentiments and prayers. Kuwait lost on Monday a patriarch of the Al-Sabah Family, Chief of the National Guard, His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah who passed away at the age of 98, after spending long years in the service of his country.

Throughout his career, Sheikh Salem occupied several significant official and honorary positions, alongside an abundance of charitable projects and societal endeavours inside and outside of the country.

He was born in 1926 in the Al-Shuyoukh Neighborhood in the heart of what is currently Kuwait City and began his tutelage at the hands of Al-Mulla Hamada and Al-Mulla Marshad Al-Sulieman, as was the tradition at the time. Following this, Sheikh Salem enrolled in the first official school of the country, Al-Mubarkiya, and after that, Al-Ahmadiya School, where he received both scientific and literary education.

In the early 50s, as oil revenues began to accelerate development in the country, Sheikh Salem joined public service, heading a number of projects that contributed to the construction of the country and modernizing its lifestyle. In the early stages of his career, Sheikh Salem closely worked with Sheikh Fahad Al-Salem Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, serving as his deputy when the latter was chief of the municipality and public works departments. In 1959, Sheikh Salem headed the construction council tasked with development and planning projects and served as chief of the public works department tasked with executing these projects.

In the early 60s, Sheikh Salem took over the position of Chief of the Municipal Council, whose laws at the time stipulated that its speaker would be of the ruling family. In the aftermath of Kuwait’s independence in 1961, Sheikh Salem became a member of the constitutional assembly and contributed to the writing of the constitution. He occupied the position of Minister of Public Works in the country’s first formed government following independence, during the reign of the late Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. He continued serving as Public Works Minister until 1964 and was also granted his first honorary position in 1963 as head of the Kuwaiti Engineering Society.

Crowning his long career, in 1967, Sheikh Salem became Chief of the Kuwait National Guard, establishing it as a vital national entity responsible for the safety, security, and stability of the country. During his presidency, Sheikh Salem was intent on supporting the army in defence of the country against all who attempted to violate its borders, as well as cooperating with the police force in maintaining stability and protecting the frontlines against all threats. Sheikh Salem also handled several notable security and military positions, including being a member of the Higher Defence Council since 1969 and a member of the National Security Council since 2005. In appreciation of his devotion and service to the country, the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah issued a decree bestowing the title of His Highness upon him.

The late Sheikh Salem was also known for his contribution to humanitarian and social projects, including his donation of KD 100 million in 2007 for citizens in need and parents of martyrs, as well as KD 10 million for families of martyrs. In 2000, he launched the Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Informatics Award, an exemplary activity on local and regional levels, aiming to raise awareness and encourage talent. Sheikh Salem also had a special interest in nature, as he was enamoured with both the desert, hunting trips, and nautical activities.(KUNA)