Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah was the ruler of Kuwait from 1896 until his death in 1915. He was the seventh ruler of the Al-Sabah dynasty and played a significant role in modernizing the country. Under his leadership, Kuwait established stronger ties with foreign powers and began to develop its infrastructure. During his reign, Sheikh Mubarak focused on improving trade and commerce, which helped Kuwait grow economically. He also worked to maintain the country's independence amid regional pressures, ensuring that Kuwait remained a vital port in the Persian Gulf. His efforts laid the groundwork for the future development of the nation.