Abdullah III Al-Salim Al-Sabah (1895 – 24 November 1965)  was the 1st Emir of the State of Kuwait and Commander-in-chief of Kuwait Military Forces from 29 January 1950 until his death He was the eldest son of Salim Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah. As the eleventh ruler of the al-Sabah dynasty in Kuwait he took power after the death of his cousin Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah  He also ruled as regent upon the death of his father until the election of Sheikh Ahmad. The anniversary of his coronation, 25 February, serves as Kuwait's national day   

Unlike his predecessors  he was more pro-Arab than pro-British He effectively ended the British "protectorate" status of Kuwait by signing a treaty with the British on 19 June 1961  He is regarded as the founder of modern Kuwait  He introduced the Constitution of Kuwait in 1962  followed by the Parliament in 1963