Kuwait: New Cybersecurity Controls Strengthen National Digital Prot

Kuwait Times, 6 April 2026: Kuwait has introduced new national cybersecurity controls aimed at strengthening digital protection, improving institutional cyber maturity, and reinforcing the security of the country’s digital infrastructure.

The controls were issued after authorities had assessed growing cyber risks linked to digital transformation and increased reliance on online systems. Prior to the reform, cybersecurity measures across institutions had varied in scope and maturity, creating uneven levels of protection and resilience against cyber threats.

Under the new framework, the National Cybersecurity Center established a unified national baseline of mandatory cybersecurity requirements. These controls require relevant entities to secure their systems, data, services, and technical assets, while enhancing readiness to detect, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents. The framework also clarified institutional responsibilities, promoting accountability and consistent implementation across sectors.

The controls were designed around internationally recognised cybersecurity best practices, while taking Kuwait’s regulatory and operational environment into account. Authorities stated that the measures would improve business continuity, safeguard critical services, and raise confidence in the digital environment. They are also expected to improve Kuwait’s position in global cybersecurity indices by aligning national practices with international benchmarks.

The National Cybersecurity Center indicated that the controls would support proactive risk management and ongoing monitoring of digital assets. Over time, the framework is expected to reduce systemic cyber vulnerabilities, protect sensitive information, and contribute to a more secure and stable national cyberspace as digitalisation continues across government and industry.

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Kuwait: Central bank moves to shield banks amid regional conflict

6 April 2026: The Kuwaiti Central Bank has adopted proactive regulatory and liquidity measures to support local banks and safeguard financial stability amid the risk of escalation in the ongoing regional war.

The Central Bank of Kuwait has taken a series of precautionary decisions aimed at preparing the banking sector for potential disruptions arising from the continuing conflict in the region. The measures have been adopted in anticipation of worst‑case geopolitical scenarios, with a view to maintaining financial stability and ensuring uninterrupted banking services across the country.

The Central Bank has  activated macro‑prudential policy tools and issued revised regulatory instructions related to liquidity and capital adequacy requirements. These include temporary easing of liquidity standards, allowing banks greater operational flexibility while preserving strong regulatory buffers. The Central Bank has stressed that Kuwaiti banks remain financially sound, as liquidity and capital ratios already exceeded international regulatory benchmarks.

The measures are designed to enhance banks’ capacity to continue lending, support economic activity, and absorb potential shocks without undermining depositor confidence or system integrity. The moves build on the central bank’s long‑standing prudential approach and reflect its assessment that proactive intervention is preferable to reactive crisis management.

The central bank has confirmed it is closely monitoring geopolitical developments, financial markets, and economic indicators on a continuous basis. It has added additional measures could be taken if required to protect monetary stability, payment systems, and public confidence in Kuwait’s banking sector.

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Kuwait: National Emergency System Activated

Times Kuwait, 26 March 2026: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior activated a national early‑warning system to deliver emergency alerts to the public through smart devices in response to current security and safety conditions.

The Ministry has conducted field assessments before activating the system, which sends alerts based on real‑time security indicators continuously monitored by the relevant authorities. The alerts are intended to support rapid preventive action, enabling authorities to protect the public during emergencies.

The Ministry instructed residents to take the messages seriously, immediately move to safe areas upon receiving an alert, and avoid windows and open spaces. It warned against going out to observe or photograph incident sites, emphasising that such actions can expose individuals to danger and may lead to legal consequences. Community awareness and strict adherence to official guidance were described as essential pillars in maintaining public safety.

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Kuwait: Social Insurance Authority Revises Public Service Hours

Times Kuwait, 29 March 2026: Kuwait’s Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS) has rescheduled its official visiting hours, introducing new timings intended to regulate public access while encouraging greater reliance on digital government services.

Under the revised arrangement, PIFSS will now receive visitors from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon, while telephone enquiries will remain available via the unified hotline 114 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. The authority confirmed that the changes took effect following an internal administrative decision issued on Saturday.

PIFSS stated that all core transactions, certificates, and beneficiary services had already been made available electronically through its official website, the “Thakher” mobile application, and the government’s unified services platform “Sahel”. The revised visiting hours were therefore introduced to reduce footfall at service centres and streamline administrative processes.

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Kuwait: Authorities Warn Against Bribery and Illegal Photography

Times Kuwait, 29 March 2026: Kuwaiti authorities have issued a public legal warning against accepting money or bribes in exchange for providing information or taking unauthorised photographs, stressing that such conduct constitutes a serious criminal offence that may endanger national security.

The warning, published in multiple languages to reach the expatriate community, stated that receiving payment to share information or capture images of locations inside Kuwait without permission was strictly prohibited. Officials emphasised that these actions were not minor violations but offences that could compromise sensitive sites and state security interests.

Authorities confirmed that anyone found engaging in such activities will face immediate legal action under applicable laws. Potential consequences include criminal prosecution, severe penalties, and deportation for non‑citizens. The statement made clear that zero tolerance would be shown toward individuals who knowingly cooperate in the unlawful collection or transmission of information.

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Kuwait: Draft Law to Fast‑Track Terrorism and State‑Security Cases

Arab Times, 25 March 2026: Kuwait’s Ministry of Justice introduces a draft decree‑law creating specialised courts to expedite terrorism and state‑security cases while preserving judicial safeguards.

The Ministry has reviewed delays in high‑risk cases before proposing a new judicial structure dedicated to internal and external security offences. Under the draft, litigation will be limited to two stages: an initial hearing before a specialised criminal court at the Court of First Instance, followed by a single appeal before a specialised chamber at the Court of Appeal. Decisions issued at the appeal stage will be final and not subject to further challenge.

Only Kuwaiti judges will preside over these matters, and the specialised courts will hold exclusive authority to review and renew pretrial detention orders. The draft further requires existing courts to transfer all pending terrorism‑related and state‑security cases to the new specialised circuits for completion. Officials stated that the initiative is intended to enhance national security, streamline proceedings, and ensure that sensitive cases are handled efficiently within a focused judicial framework.

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Kuwait: Health Ministry Orders Overseas Employees to Return to Duty

Arab Times, 26 March 2026: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health issued a circular instructing employees currently abroad to take the necessary steps to return to work due to exceptional circumstances and the need to maintain uninterrupted healthcare services.

The Ministry has reassessed its staffing needs before directing all employees abroad to submit official documentation confirming their return to duty. Staff were instructed to file either a formal letter of return or a notice of return from leave, each requiring approval from both the immediate supervisor and the next level of management, along with all required supporting papers.

Employees on annual leave must also attach a copy of their pre‑approved leave authorisation and submit entry and exit records generated through the Ministry of Interior’s Sahel application. The Ministry emphasised that all paperwork must be submitted to the Administrative Affairs – Leave Department at the employee’s designated workplace to ensure proper and expedited processing of administrative procedures.

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Kuwait: MoCI urges public to report overcharging amid intensified market inspections

Arab Times, 26 March 2026: Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry urges consumers to report shopkeepers who overcharge, as inspection teams continued large‑scale monitoring campaigns to enforce price regulations and protect consumer rights.

The Ministry has expanded its field campaigns in shops and markets to address violations affecting market transparency and price stability. Inspectors uncovered breaches in the gold market, including refusal to sell, selling at prices different from those advertised, and demanding large‑quantity purchases. Five violation reports were issued in the Capital Governorate’s gold market alone.

Officials stated that these measures were prompted by public complaints about shops refusing to sell gold except in large quantities. The Ministry confirmed that legal action was taken against violators under applicable commercial‑regulation laws as part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance and prevent unlawful practices. Consumers were urged to report any overcharging or sales irregularities through official channels.

According to official data, inspectors recorded 322 violations since the outbreak of the war in Iran, covering sectors such as gold shops, supermarkets, meat markets, juice outlets, and water‑tanker services. Violations ranged from inflated prices and commercial fraud to underweight products and improper storage. Ten closure orders were issued, including against central markets and shops, and an unlicensed warehouse was immediately shut. The campaigns were conducted in coordination with the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition, particularly in the Capital Governorate, where food‑safety violations were also identified.

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Kuwait: KFH Expands Digital Money Transfer Services

Kuwait Finance House (KFH) has enhanced its money‑transfer services by expanding its digital partnership with Western Union, enabling customers to conduct fast, secure local and international transfers directly through the KFHOnline app.

Through this integration, customers can send funds in cash, to bank accounts or to digital wallets across Western Union’s global network of over 200 countries, supported by KFH’s strengthened e‑banking framework. The collaboration forms part of KFH’s broader digital‑transformation strategy, which includes virtual card issuance, online account opening, and real‑time currency‑exchange tools.

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