Kuwait Foundation & History
Kuwait, founded in the northwestern part of the Arabian Gulf, dates back to 1613 AD, when a group of families and tribes emigrated to it, insightfully realizing the importance of its position and the advantages of the location to establish an entity distinguished by stability and prosperity. This entity immediately took its distinct political form.

Once Kuwaiti society had maintained stability for some time, and activities had spread on land and sea, there was a pressing need for leadership to which the people could look for social and political guidance and to represent them in their affairs with either neighboring communities or other foreign countries. A man from al-Sabah dynasty, distinguished by benevolence and righteousness, was chosen as chief. The government was established in this dynasty, the crown inherited by the most eminent, sound minded male among them. This tradition has continued till now. 

The economic activities of Kuwait varied since it was a stop for caravans from Persia and Mesopotamia en-route to the eastern and interior parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Kuwait was also the sea route link between India, east Africa, Syria and Europe. The people turned to various maritime activities such as ship building, fishing, pearl diving, business and trading between Arabian Gulf ports and those overlooking the Indian Ocean.

It is unquestionable that the numerous economic activities on land and sea had a positive impact on Kuwaiti society. The Kuwaitis labored in construction and development and the values of cooperation, solidarity, responsibility, and commitment were firmly established in society. Inspired by their values and reassured through experience, consultation was deeply  ingrained in them as a guarantee of their unity and solidarity.

The discovery of oil and the accumulation of its revenue deepened cooperation among Kuwaitis; construction continued, public utilities were established, and modern facilities were developed. The government utilized the oil wealth to provide its people with whatever they required to fulfill their ambitions and aspirations. The images of establishments, foundations, facilities and utilities portrayed on this page are reflections of the spirit of the people of Kuwait and their political leadership which strives to develop, renew and implement all available facilities and potentialities to support Kuwaiti society to the utmost.

Kuwait has been keen not only to invest the accumulation of oil wealth for her people but to share it also with third world countries to give remarkable opportunities for the advancement of human wellbeing. Kuwait offered subsidies to countries burdened with poor and stagnant standards of living. The most distinctive characteristic of Kuwaiti aid is the absence of the strict conditions. The rate of Kuwaiti aid to its GDP reached 8% compared to 0.36% from its counterparts in industrial countries during the last three decades. Kuwaiti foreign aid was 27 times more than that in industrial countries. Moreover, Kuwait's aid is hardly coupled with military or political conditions; it is humanitarian aid to alleviate human suffering.

Kuwait, while lending a benevolent hand to all peoples was stunned by the vicious Iraqi invasion against her which vandalized and devastated all its vital facilities; destroyed or damaged its historical, cultural and civilized landmarks; and violated human rights. Yet, by will of God, the determination of the Kuwaitis and the support of the Free World, the Iraqi invader was ousted, Kuwait was liberated, and Kuwaitis reconstructed their infrastructure anew. This is Kuwait: an oasis of freedom, a lighthouse of progress, a symbol of cooperation, and a pioneer in humanitarian aid.

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