His Highness Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah (born 10 October 1955) is a senior member of the Kuwaiti royal family and has held various key positions as a politician, economist, and diplomat. He served as the Prime Minister of Kuwait from 17 January 2024 to 15 May 2024. Prior to his premiership, he was the Deputy Prime Minister of Kuwait, contributing significantly to the nation’s governance and international relations.

Early life and education

Born on 10 October 1955, Al-Sabah is a son of Sheikh Sabah III Al-Salim Al-Sabah, the former Amir of Kuwait, and Nouriya Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the sister of the present Amir. His older brother is Salem Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, who served as both Minister of Defense and Interior. Mohammed Sabah Al Sabah obtained his bachelor's degree in economics from Claremont McKenna College and went on to earn both a master's degree and a PhD in economics and Middle Eastern studies from Harvard University.

Career

Government service

Appointed in 1993 as the ambassador of Kuwait to the United States, he served until 14 February 2001, at which point he became the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He held the position of Minister of Finance from January 2003 until July 2003. On 11 February 2006, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister, continuing also as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He resigned from office on 18 October 2011 in protest of alleged corruption in Kuwait's government. He subsequently pursued academic interests as a visiting fellow at Oxford University.

Prime minister

On January 4, 2024, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, appointed Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah as the Prime Minister designate of Kuwait. He was sworn into office on the 17 of January 2024, marking the first time in 20 years that a descendant of the Banu Salim branch of the Kuwaiti ruling family assumed this position. Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah was appointed as the prime minister-designate on 15 April 2024. His assumption of office is contingent upon the formation of his cabinet and his oath-taking before the National Assembly. Following this appointment, Sheikh Mohammed has been serving as the acting prime minister in a caretaker capacity.

Personal life

Al-Sabah is married to Feryal Duaij Al Salman Al Sabah and has four children.

Councils, committees and memberships

Kuwait

Honours and awards