The chapter discusses the histories of the ruling families of Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar. Many of these families shares same origins, but with time they broke away and founded their own kingdoms and developed their own rules.
Al Sabah Family of Kuwait
The founder of the Al Sabah family ruling over Kuwait was Sabah bin Jabir who was from the Utub tribe. The Utub tribe is part of the Anaiza tribal confederation, from which the Al Saud family of Saudi Arabia belongs. Sabah bin Jabir is also credited with the founding of the state of Kuwait. The Utub tribe is also the source of the Al Khalifah family of Bahrain who moved from middle Arabia after a devastating famine. Unlike other ruling families in Arabia, the Al Sabah family does not have the history of violence to gain power.
The constitution of Kuwait restricts any descendent of Mubarak the Great to ascend to power as he murdered his brothers. Only the descendants of slain brothers Salim and Jabir can become Amir. The total number of the Al Sabah family members are above 1000. The family is actively involved in the politics, business and other professions of Kuwait. Women of the Al Sabah family are modern and they defy the image propagated by the western media. The current ruling family, the heir apparent, and close family is related to the Salim side of the family.
Al Khalifa of Bahrain
In the second half of the 18th century, Al Khalifah family left Kuwait and moved to Zubarah, situated on the west coast of present day Qatar. In 1783, the Ahmad bin Khalifah invaded Bahrain and expelled the Persians. The descendants of Ahmad the Conqueror remained at odds for several following years over policy and personal issues. In the 19th century, the most able decedent rose to power and this meant there were several attempts were made by family members to rise to power. In 1869, Sheikh Isa bin Ali finally ended the strife and Primogeniture law has been followed ever since. The First article of the Bahrain’s constitution endorses the Primogeniture law. The British authorities abdicated Sheikh Isa bin Ali in 1923 and placed his son Sheikh Hamad as the new ruler. The current ruler is the grandson of Sheikh Isa bin Ali and his son and heir apparent founded the Bahrain Defence Force.
The Al Thani Family of Qatar
In 1868, Muhammad bin Thani founded the dynasty, prior to it, they were a dependency of Bahrain. He established his rule after negotiating with British Political Resident and helping to recognizing Qatar as independent of Bahrain. His son Sheikh Qasim bin Muhammad further managed to sustain and develop the kingdom as his decision to work with the Ottomans and providing them garrison in Doha helped him to gain the title of Governor of Doha under Ottoman rule. A few years later under Qasim’s rule the Qataris fought against the Ottoman rule and managed to defeat the much superior Ottoman force. This act established the rule of Al Thani in Qatar.
In addition, in 1902, with the rise of Ibn Saud in Saudi Arabia, Qasim turned his attention to KSA and proposed his friendship. His son, Sheikh Abdallah further signed agreement with the British Government of India that placed them on equal footing to other kingdoms in the Middle East. The Al Thani family has decided not to follow primogeniture and the succession is based on most forceful and able member of the family. The Al Thani family has become very rich on the basis of oil based economy that supports a very small population.
