Jabir al-Kaabi

Jabir Bin Merdaw Al-Kaabi (1780–1881; ) was the Sheikh of Mohammerah who established Mohammerah as a free port and shaikhdom during the 19th century of which he was the shaikh. Jabir was a shrewd and calculating individual. He established a cordial relationship with the Qajar kings. He remained in possession of Mohammerah with enjoyment of the title Nusrat-ul-Mulk until his death in October 1881. Jabir also became the imperial-appointed governor-general of his region. Jabir al- Kaabi was the leader of the Bani Kaab Arab tribe and the shaikh of Mohammerah during most of the nineteenth century.

The reign of Jabir Ibn Merdaw

Sheikh Jabir was troubled by intertribal wars. He therefore confined himself to an attitude of neutrality while maintaining good relations with both the Persian and Ottoman governments, and notably with the Walis of Baghdad.

The tribe which was most troubling for Jabir was the Rabi'ah. He thus turned to an ancient Arabian diplomatic practice: he married Noura, the daughter of the Sheikh of the Rabi'ah, Talal, in order to appease the opposition of that tribe. One son was born from this union, to become the last ruler of autonomous Arabistan.

Death Jabir died on 2 October 1881 and was succeeded by his second son Miz'al Khan ibn Haji Jabir Khan.