Abdullah Al Salem University is the second public university in the State of Kuwait. Established under Law No. 76 issued on August 4, 2019, during the reign of the late Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. According to Article 40 of the law:
"When this law takes effect, the government will establish a public university under the name Abdullah Al Salem University, and the provisions of the law will govern its Board of Trustees. The government will assign all buildings, lands, and facilities belonging to Kuwait University, as of the enactment of this law, to this university. No one may transfer them except to another public university with the approval of the Council of Government Universities."
Then it was followed by Amiri Decree No. 182 of 2021, which established the Founding Administrative Board during the reign of the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, may Allah have mercy on him. The decree reflects the enduring commitment of Kuwait’s leadership – past and present – to advancing education and establishing institutions of knowledge. Abdullah Al Salem University represents a significant achievement in this national endeavour.
Abdullah Al Salem University carries a name that is dear to the hearts of all Kuwaitis. It represents a vital link in the blessed chain of the educational system in the State of Kuwait—an enduring system strengthened by the founder of modern Kuwait, the late Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Al-Sabah, may Allah bless his soul and illuminate his resting place.
The university was named after the late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Al-Sabah—may Allah have mercy on him—the eleventh ruler of the State of Kuwait, the founder of modern Kuwait, and the father of independence and the Constitution. This naming stands as an expression of honor and loyalty to his memory and in recognition of his pioneering contributions to the building of a modern, democratic nation founded upon science and knowledge. Through his determination, wisdom, and insightful vision, His Highness—may Allah have mercy on him—led a profound transformation in education and learning, propelling comprehensive and sustainable development across the country.
During just two years of his reign, the late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Al-Sabah achieved numerous milestones, beginning with the establishment of Kuwait’s legal and constitutional institutions. He was known as the “Father of the Constitution” after Kuwait’s first Constitution was issued during his rule.
Education also flourished under his leadership. Schools were equipped with modern tools and educational devices, and institutions for teacher training and for students with disabilities were established.
Abdullah Al Salem University aspires to achieve excellence in higher education, focusing on future-oriented disciplines that meet the needs of the labor market and the knowledge economy in line with Kuwait Vision 2035. These include cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and business administration. The university aims to graduate highly qualified professionals across diverse scientific fields, with a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and modern facilities.
The official inauguration of Abdullah Al Salem University and the launch of its corporate identity took place on March 6, 2024, under the esteemed patronage and presence of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may Allah protect him. The ceremony was held under his gracious and noble patronage at Abdullah Al-Jaber Theatre in Shuwaikh.
The university welcomed its first cohort of students at the beginning of the 2023–2024 academic year, comprising more than 600 students, followed by a second cohort of 1,351 students, bringing the current total to around 2,000 students.
In addition, the College of Integrative Studies plays a pivotal role as a service-oriented college that supports academic programs through the Preparatory Program, which offers a wide variety of foundational and accredited courses in English, Arabic, mathematics, science, humanities, and social sciences.
The university proudly includes a distinguished group of faculty members in the fields of academics, research, and teaching.
As a research university, Abdullah Al Salem University has established several research centers of strategic importance to the State of Kuwait and the region, addressing key national and regional priorities. These include:
Additionally, several specialised centers have been established under the Planning, Institutional Excellence, and Innovation Sector, including: