Sheikhdom of Kuwait In the early 20th century, Kuwait immensely declined in regional economic importance, mainly due to many trade blockades and the world economic depression. Before Mary Bruins Allison visited Kuwait in 1934, Kuwait lost its prominence in long distance trade. During World War I, the British Empire imposed a trade blockade against Kuwait because Kuwait's ruler (Salim Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah) supported the Ottoman Empire, who was in the Central Powers. The British economic blockade heavily damaged Kuwait's economy. The Great Depression negatively impacted Kuwait's economy starting in the late 1920s. International trading was one of Kuwait's main sources of income before oil.
Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah affairs. Sabah replaced Mohammad Al Sabah as foreign minister. In a reshuffle of 14 December 2011 Sabah was also appointed minister of state for cabinet affairs. Later this post was assumed by Mohammad Abdullah Al Mubarak Al Sabah. On 4 August 2013, Sabah was made first deputy prime minister in addition to his post as foreign minister. Sabah is married to Aida Salim Al Ali Al Sabah and has two children. Aida Al Sabah is the board chair of Sheikh Salim Al Ali Al Sabah Informatics Award. Sabah was awarded the Order of King Abdulaziz in 1998 and the Order