The Amiri Diwan is a major symbol of the sovereign State of Kuwait. The glorious Al-Saif Palace is the permanent headquarters of the Amiri Diwan. The palace has played a great role in the history of Kuwait, both in the distant past and in modern times, due to its long period of existence Kuwait's strategic location was of geographic importance.

Kuwait's trade expanded when Sheikh Mubarak the Great became ruler in 1896. In 1904, Sheikh Mubarak decided to build a palace as his headquarters. A unique location was chosen for the palace on the sea (Al-Saif).

Since then, all the rulers of Kuwait have been interested in expanding and developing the Al-Saif Palace to preserve it as part of their history and civilization. The area of the palace was increased and new buildings were added.

The first to renew the palace was Sheikh Salem bin Mulbarak Al-Sabah, the ninth ruler of Kuwait (1917-1921). The renewal was done in 1917 with the famous phrase written on the gate. "You would not have it (authority) if it lasted to those before you". The late Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Al-Sabah (1950-1965), the eleventh ruler of Kuwait,renovated the palace in 1961. At the end of 1962, Sheikh Abdullah called it the Amiri Diwan and spent the last three years of his rule in the renovated building.

The architecture of the Al-Saif Palace is Islamic in style, using Islamic arches, ornamentation, windows and oriels, combined with local Kuwaiti style. Simple local materials were used in the construction, such as clay, sea rocks, limestone, wood and metal. The palace is known for its Clock Tower, which is covered with blue ceramic. The top of the tower is gold plated while the bottom has small glass windows.

One of the most important events witnessed by the Amiri Diwan at Al-Saif Palace was the cancellation of the British protectorate agreement and the declaration of the independence of Kuwait in 1961. It also witnessed the endorsement and issuance of the Kuwaiti Constitution on Jumada Al-Thani 14, 1302 AH. (November 11, 1962) during the reign of the late Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem.

The great progress and modernization that Kuwait has experienced in recent years made it essential to expand the Amiri Diwan to suit Kuwait's eminent status in the world. Thereby, the government started a major renovation and expansion project of the palace in 1967. The real challenge came in the wake of the Iraqi aggression on Kuwait. as buildings of the old palace were robbed. burnt and destroyed and renovation stopped.

Immediately after the liberation of Kuwait. the government made a quick plan to resume work on this important project.

As for the older buildings of the Al-Saif Palace, the government has made special plans to repair the buildings without changing their historical touch and distinguished character.

The new Amiri Diwan, the building of the Crown Prince's Diwan. The General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers and the meeting room have all been completed.