Country Profile
From The Report: Kuwait 2024
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Situated between Iraq and Saudi Arabia at the north-western corner of the Gulf, Kuwait operates as a constitutional monarch, and is a founding member of both the GCC and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Despite its modest land size, the country holds the world’s sixth-largest crude oil reserves, which have served as a robust foundation for sustained economic development and prosperity. With one of the most dynamic political systems in the region, the hope is that the executive and legislative branches of government can work together to advance the policy changes and strategies needed to fulfil the ambitions of the long-term development plan, New Kuwait 2035.

This chapter contains a viewpoint from the Emir, Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Forward progress: Economy returns to growth following downturn as long-term development plan looks towards diversification
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Situated between Iraq and Saudi Arabia at the north-western corner of the Gulf, Kuwait operates as a constitutional monarchy, and is a founding member of both the GCC and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Led by a hereditary leader, the emir, it boasts the oldest directly elected Parliament among the Gulf Arab states. Despite its modest land size, Kuwait holds the world’s sixth-largest crude oil reserves, which have served as a robust foundation for sustained economic…

Analysis

Change of guard: Kuwait transitions to new leadership with a focus on enhancing accountability amid a complex global economic environment
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After a three-year reign, the Emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the then-ruler of Kuwait, passed away on December 16, 2023 at the age of 86. Born before the era when oil transformed Kuwait from a trading centre into a rich oil-producing country, Sheikh Nawaf was sworn in as emir in 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic, succeeding his predecessor, the late Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah, who governed the country from 2006 until his death in 2020. The loss of Sheikh Sabah, celebrated…

Viewpoint

Essential oaths: Emir Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, on committing to progress and prosperity in difficult times
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Viewpoint: Emir Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah These words come in a time of mourning, in the midst of difficult circumstances, I meet you with tears in my eyes, a lump in my throat, overwhelmed by grief and pain. Words fail to express what is stirring in my heart, the feelings of sorrow and mourning for the loss of my brother and life-long companion, the late Emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah. May Allah have mercy on him, grant him paradise and make it his eternal abode. I…

Analysis

Regional ties: Bilateral trade talks between the UK and the GCC stand to strengthen food security for Gulf countries
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As part of broader plans to expand and diversify its global trade partners and fulfil their respective national development strategies, the GCC has launched negotiations with the UK on a free trade agreement (FTA). This partnership is expected to strengthen the bloc’s economy, help attract investment and provide greater opportunities for local businesses. On June 22, 2022, the two parties signed a joint statement and officially launched talks on a comprehensive trade deal, with Anne-Marie Trevelyan,…