June 29, 1926 – January 15, 2006
The people of Kuwait loved Sheikh Jaber to the extent that they referred to him as 'Baba Jaber', meaning Father Jaber.
Sheikh Jaber's reign is notable for his success in granting women political enfranchisement. He first proposed an amendment to Kuwait's Election Law in 1999, allowing women to elect and be elected. But the bill was rejected by the conservative National Assembly and it was not until 2005 that Kuwaiti women were finally granted political rights.
Sheik Jaber was a close friend of the United States even before the first Gulf war, and his rule saw a further strengthening of ties with the US and the UK. He also cracked down on Islamists opposed to the US military presence in Kuwait, and sentenced Al Qaeda-linked militants to death.
Despite his wealth, Sheik Jaber was considered a quiet listener who avoided ostentation. His palace in Kuwait City's Dasman neighbourhood near the sea was described as a spacious but ordinary house, and bread and yogurt often satisfied him at mealtimes.
The UAE president, Sheikh Khalifa, described him as 'a prominent leader who had dedicated his lifetime for the service and well-being of his country and Arab and Muslim nations.'
