Interview: Abdullah AlTerkait, Chairman, Al Safat Investment Company, on strengthening market liquidity and investor confidence
Where do you see the most promising investment opportunities emerging across non-oil sectors?
ABDULLAH ALTERKAIT: Regulatory innovation, such as Kuwait’s financial technology (fintech) sandbox, has accelerated digital finance solutions and enabled fintechs to scale and access capital markets. Participation in global artificial intelligence and cloud ventures underscores a commitment to next-generation technologies. In health care, over $10bn in planned public spending for 2024-25 is driving modernisation and digital transformation, opening investment in speciality care, digital platforms and hospital networks. Rehabilitation projects and new insurance schemes are expanding the private sector’s role and promoting consolidation. In renewables, the target to source 15% of electricity from clean energy by 2035 is fuelling investor interest. Active tenders for solar and wind projects are under way, supported by green sukuk (Islamic bonds) and sustainability-linked financing. The 2024 issuance of Kuwait’s first green sukuk signals strong demand for environmental, social and governance (ESG)-aligned Islamic finance, and sets a precedent for future sustainable issuances.
Which steps are being taken to close the funding and investor-readiness gap for small businesses?
ALTERKAIT: Despite long-standing government efforts, small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) access to capital remains limited amid fiscal constraints. In response, targeted initiatives are emerging to bridge the gap. Boursa Kuwait’s upcoming SME platform will provide a more attainable path to equity financing through tailored listing requirements. Meanwhile, banks are adopting flexible digital lending models that reduce collateral demands. Kuwait’s growing venture capital ecosystem – particularly in tech and high-growth sectors – is providing SMEs with both capital and strategic guidance. Together, these measures are helping create a more inclusive, market-driven financing environment that supports small business growth and diversification.
How are Kuwait’s capital markets adapting to growing demand for sustainable investment products?
ALTERKAIT: Kuwait’s capital markets are steadily advancing towards a more sustainable and resilient framework with the Capital Markets Authority’s mandate requiring ESG reporting from Premier Market companies starting in FY 2025. This shift to mandatory, globally aligned standards reinforces the country’s commitment to transparency and responsible investment. Boursa Kuwait is playing a pivotal role in this transformation, supporting the transition through its ESG reporting guide, aligned with international standards, and ongoing market training. With ESG oversight embedded at the board level, a LEED Gold-certified headquarters and recognised initiatives, sustainability is now central to its strategy – enhancing Kuwait’s appeal to long-term, ESG-focused investors and positioning it as a regional centre for sustainable finance.
What regulatory and structural reforms could deepen market liquidity and attract long-term capital?
ALTERKAIT: Boursa Kuwait was the second best-performing stock exchange in the GCC in 2025, delivering a return of 21% and reinforcing its strong regional standing. Gains reached 20.2% in the Main Market and 21.2% in the Premier Market. Boursa Kuwait continues to enhance market liquidity and deepen trading volumes as part of its ongoing efforts to attract sustainable, long-term capital inflows. Key efforts under way include attracting foreign institutional investors through streamlined licensing and incentives, expanding the market maker programme, and launching platforms for exchange-traded funds and real estate investment trusts to broaden participation. Promoting initial public offerings – especially from family-owned firms – and advancing privatisation of government-owned assets could expand market depth and capitalisation. Collectively, these steps aim to strengthen Boursa Kuwait’s position as a more liquid and competitive capital market.
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