The outlook for Kuwait’s Islamic financial sector is positive. Two banks, Kuwait Finance House and Warba Bank, have made acquisitions that will expand their reach domestically and lay the groundwork for expansion in other regional markets where Islamic banking is not as developed. The passage of Kuwait’s Public Debt Law in March 2025 will improve local banks’ liquidity and spur improvements…
Economic growth, consolidation and new fiscal laws passed in 2025 are driving the banking sector’s growth, diversification and lending opportunities. Despite market uncertainty due to US tariff policy, oil market volatility and geopolitical tensions, domestic banks in Kuwait have remained resilient. Kuwait’s leading banks posted strong balance sheets and liquidity for 2024, with capital buffers…
Kuwait is undergoing a large-scale drive of infrastructure development as part of a broader mission to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on hydrocarbons revenue, a goal encapsulated by the ambitious and far-reaching New Kuwait 2035 long-term development plan. One key objective of the roadmap is to upgrade the country’s infrastructure. As such, major projects in public transport networks,…
The energy sector continues to dominate the Kuwaiti economy, with oil rents making up the vast majority of government revenue and GDP. Income from oil has declined since the peak directly after the conflict in Ukraine, though the unwinding of production cuts by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries will bring some additional income. Growing domestic energy demand has caused a rise…
Kuwait’s insurance and takaful (Islamic insurance) sector has shown resilience in recent years, continuing to record profit and policy growth despite an uncertain global economic outlook. The period ahead looks set to be marked by a further series of regulatory reforms, as the Insurance Regulatory Unit seeks to bring the sector further into line with international best practices. At the same time,…
Education reform and the overhaul of both the Ministry of Education and the national curriculum are expected to strengthen academic outcomes in Kuwait. In parallel, sustained government prioritisation of health care has helped modernisation through new infrastructure, improved access to services and enhanced training for medical professionals. As the country confronts the pressures of an ageing population,…
Kuwait’s industry sector occupies a key position in the country’s diversification agenda, balancing the challenges of global market volatility with domestic priorities for sustainable growth. The sector has been reshaped by regulatory modernisation, infrastructure investment and strategic initiatives aimed at reducing reliance on hydrocarbons. Although manufacturing remains a relatively modest…
Kuwait’s construction and real estate sectors showed renewed signs of growing momentum in 2025. The Fourth Kuwait Master Plan 2040, the long-term national economic diversification plan that was launched in September 2023, underpins growth in both sectors as the government spearheads infrastructure mega-projects and the building of new residential cities. Kuwait is increasingly turning to the private…
The Guide contains a selection of hotel and accommodation options throughout Kuwait for both business and leisure travellers. Helpful information is provided on visa regulations, safety and health considerations, business etiquette, and public and private transport options.…
