Market Intelligence

Kuwait's Decree-Law No. 94 of 2026 introduces sweeping reforms to the country's public procurement system, fundamentally altering how foreign contractors access government tenders. The amendments prohibit the use of local agents, raise financial thresholds for petroleum sector contracts, and streamline governance structures within the Central Agency for Public Tenders. These changes signal a decisive policy shift toward transparency and direct foreign engagement in Kuwait's commercial landscape.

Kuwait's new Commercial Concealment Law criminalizes traditional nominee structures that have long enabled foreign investors to circumvent ownership restrictions, imposing severe penalties including imprisonment, fines up to KD 100,000, and deportation. With the law taking effect in February 2027, businesses operating under nominee arrangements face an urgent compliance deadline to restructure or risk criminal prosecution, asset confiscation, and permanent closure.

Kuwait's new Ministerial Decision No. 109/2026 introduces sweeping regulations for electronic delivery platforms, capping commissions at 17% and prohibiting exclusivity arrangements. How will these comprehensive rules reshape the balance of power between delivery platforms, restaurants, and consumers in Kuwait's rapidly growing e-commerce sector?

Kuwait is introducing a comprehensive new regulatory framework that consolidates traditional and digital media under a single legal structure. The new law extends licensing requirements to social media promotion, advertising, and digital content, with significant implications for businesses operating in or targeting audiences in Kuwait. Companies will need to assess their current arrangements across advertising, social media channels, and influencer partnerships before the law takes effect in April 2027.

Kuwait's new Decree-Law No. 88 of 2026 establishes a specialized three-tier economic court system to handle commercial disputes with enhanced speed and expertise. The legislation introduces mandatory pre-litigation mediation, electronic proceedings, and dedicated enforcement mechanisms while significantly expanding jurisdiction over 17 categories of economic disputes including banking, competition law, and merger control.

Kuwait has enacted its first standalone law criminalizing commercial concealment, commonly known as 'fronting' or hidden ownership arrangements. The legislation establishes dual prohibitions on unlicensed economic activity and enabling concealment, while extending criminal liability to company management and offering financial rewards to whistleblowers. Set to take effect in early 2027, this regulatory framework aims to enhance business transparency and ensure foreign investment flows through compliant stru