Mulla Saleh bin Mohammed Al Mulla (in his beginings)

Al Mulla Saleh was one of the firsts in Kuwait to own a car

The high political status of Al Mulla family, and its contribution to the development of Kuwait will remain firmly rooted in the history of the country, starting from “Al Mulla Saleh Bin Mohammed” who grew up within the surroundings of two of Kuwait’s rulers; Sheikh Abdullah bin Sabah (the 5th ruler) and Sheikh Mohammed bin Sabah (the 6th ruler), following his father’s death while being eight years old.

Growing amid rich political atmosphere, Al Mulla Saleh showed strong signs of leadership and political acumen. He grabbed the attention of Sheikh Mohammed who decided to assign him to Kuwait’s commissioner office in Al Muhammarah, known now as Khorramshahr and was part of the principality of Arabstan. Located near Karun river, ships docked at Al Muhammarah port to unload cargos heading to Kuwait.

Mulla Saleh bin Mohammed Al Mulla (in his latest years)

Later on, Al Mulla Saleh played a key role in the issuance of passports during the era of Sheikh Ahmed al-Jaber Al Sabah. He was the first who we may call Director of Passports. He used to fill up applications addressed to the British Commissioner in Kuwait. Applicants take their applications to the commissioner who approve the issuance of the passports.

Al Mulla Saleh has shown great interest in cars since it was brought first to Kuwait back in 1912. That first car was a gift from Sheikh Mohammed Qasim Al Ibrahim to Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah. Kuwaiti traders were very impressed its with performance and decided to purchase their own. Al Mulla Saleh was one of the first traders to acquire a car; it was one of the first American made Willys-Overland vehicles to reach Kuwait. Willys-Overland is known now as Jeep, and sold in Kuwait by “Al Mulla & Behbehani”, a 2006 joint venture owned by Al Mulla family. Willys-Overland was the most popular vehicles in Kuwait due to their trusted chassis and very dependable mechanics which worked perfectly on poorly paved roads.

Kuwait wall as seen from inside with the entrance built by Mulla Saleh

Kuwait will never forget the prompt action taken by Al Mulla Saleh and all other traders to build Kuwait’s third fence (Al Soor) after the incident of Homedh. They worked day and night and finished completing it by 1920. To better protect Kuwait, Al Mulla Saleh built a supplemental control tower in 1925 called “Ghrabat Mulla Saleh” to be used by the guards for surveillance against intruders and to fight trespassers.

Those are some of Al Mulla family contributions in all aspects of public life. Today Al Mulla Group is one of the most prominent economic groups in Kuwait contributing to its modern renaissance and laying a solid foundation for the economy.

Bader Abdulla Saleh Al Mulla

Known for his love and passion towards cars, Bader Saleh Al Mulla led Al Mulla Group to establish its car business. In June 21, 1955, at the age of 18, he succeeded his father as the government secretary. After the independence in 1961, he was appointed as a director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was chosen by the Kingdom of Norway as its honorary consular. He died in June 1969 at the age of 32 years.