Kuwait’s Historical Milestones from 1907 to 2025

As of 2026, Kuwait continues to reflect on a series of key events that have shaped its development, according to KUNA.

Early 20th Century Developments

In 1907, Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s 7th ruler, and the British political agent agreed on leasing Al-Shuwaikh harbor for docking ships of the British navy fleet.

Mid‑Century Institutional Growth

The Kuwait Government printing house was inaugurated in 1956. The facility was printing government publications including the official gazette, monthly pan‑Arab Al-Arabi Magazine, Holy Quran and Arab tradition publications.

Abdullah Al-Fedhala, a singer, writer and composer, died at the age of 67 in 1967. He was the first citizen to use piano in Kuwaiti music, and the first to record songs outside the State of Kuwait.

Kuwait Airways took delivery of the first plane, an Airbus A-310, in 1983 as part of a deal to purchase eight aircraft.

The Kuwait popular conference concluded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 1990 with a declaration emphatically rejecting the Iraqi occupation of the State of Kuwait as well as many issues related to the liberation of Kuwait.

In 1996, Kuwait Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah signed a decree regarding the formation of the nation’s 17th Government, which consisted of 14 ministers and was chaired by Crown Prince Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah.

Recent Achievements in Sports, Aviation and Diplomacy

Kuwait Sporting Club was crowned champion of the 23rd GCC basketball tournament in 2003, beating Al-Rayyan of Qatar 71‑67.

Al-Rai television channel, the first Kuwaiti private channel, began transmission in 2004.

Kuwait Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah signed a decree in 2005 to establish the State of Kuwait’s Embassy in Romania.

Kuwait Airways signed an agreement with Airbus in 2018 to buy eight medium and long‑range A-330-800 neo aircraft.

Kuwait Sporting Club won the Arab 34th Arab Basketball championship for the first time in the club’s history in 2022, beating Egypt’s Al-Ahli 78‑77.

The State of Kuwait at Expo 2025 Osaka won four international awards from Exhibitor magazine, a leading US publication specialized in global exhibitions and conferences, in 2025 in recognition of its design and technological innovation.

This information is provided by KUNA.