AGP Executive Report

Economic Justice & Courts: Kuwait’s new Economic Courts Law sets up specialized economic circuits across the Court of First Instance, Appeal and Cassation, with a case-preparation office, settlement and reconciliation steps, and a push for electronic litigation and enforcement to speed dispute resolution and improve contract confidence. Sovereign Finance: Finance Minister Yaqoub Al-Refaei said Law No. 90 of 2026 on government sukuk expands Kuwait’s sovereign financing toolkit, allowing sukuk within the public debt framework to broaden investor reach and strengthen capital-market development. Hajj Rules: Kuwait introduced tighter rules for journalists, media figures and celebrities in Hajj campaign roles, including limits on using social media to commercially promote pilgrimage services. Security & Diplomacy: Kuwait condemned Houthi missile attempts on Riyadh as violations of Saudi sovereignty and international law, while US embassies—including in Kuwait—issued “heightened vigilance” alerts over rapid escalation risks tied to Iran-backed Houthis. Regional Coordination: A report says CENTCOM hosted senior military commanders from Kuwait and other Gulf states in Germany to discuss regional security cooperation amid Iran and Houthi pressure. Public Health & Food Safety: PAFN found food safety violations in Al Jahra inspections, including unfit products and unlicensed operations, with legal action to follow. Sports Diplomacy: Kuwait and Japan signed a sports cooperation memorandum to exchange expertise and support athlete and youth programs. UN Engagement: Kuwait’s Crown Prince delegation arrived in New York to lead Kuwait’s UN General Assembly participation.

UNGA Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Crown Prince has left for New York to lead the UN delegation as President Trump prepares to put Iran at the center of his General Assembly agenda, with Gulf leaders including Kuwait set for talks amid warnings of rapid escalation. Defense Cooperation: Kuwait and Canada signed a defense and security MoU in Ottawa, while Kuwait’s Chief of Staff met France’s counterpart in Paris to boost joint military coordination. Legal & Public Order: Justice Minister Nasser Al-Sumait said cases of insulting or assaulting public employees fell 92% to 93 in 2026 under Decree-Law 93/2024. Security & Travel: The US urged heightened vigilance across the region, citing risks of flight cancellations and airspace closures affecting countries including Kuwait. Economy & Energy: CENTCOM said over 1 billion barrels cleared the Strait of Hormuz with US protection, as oil prices stay volatile but not at worst-case levels. Sports & Youth: Kuwait opened its Asian Games campaign with 120 athletes; Kuwait also won OCA approval to host the first Asian Esports and Mind Sports Games in 2027, and the Public Authority for Sports plans 15 international coaches for under-12 football development. Public Health: Kuwait’s Health Minister said breast cancer accounts for over 40% of women’s cancer cases, with thousands treated at MOH facilities. Fraud Alert: A TikTok furniture ad allegedly led an expat to lose KD260 via a fraudulent payment page. Hajj Rules: Kuwait’s Islamic Affairs ministry set limits on media and celebrity roles in Hajj activities, banning commercial promotion via social media.

UN Diplomacy: Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah departed for New York to lead Kuwait’s delegation at the 81st UN General Assembly, with Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah among the accompanying officials. Regional Security: Iran’s and Pakistan’s top diplomats held urgent phone talks on escalating Middle East security developments, with Pakistan again positioned as a key diplomatic conduit. Humanitarian Aid: Kuwaiti charities under “Kuwait Stands by You” are delivering drinking water, surgery and daily bread across Gaza, Türkiye and Yemen. Nuclear Cooperation: Kuwait marked progress in peaceful nuclear technology as KISR highlighted a new 10-year IAEA Country Programme Framework (2026-2035) and approved national projects for cancer care, groundwater and food safety. Environment & Society: A Kuwaiti diving team launched a World Cleanup Day drive to remove waste from Kuwait Bay and nearby sites, including Ashairij, Sulaibikhat and the Jahra reserve. Public Safety: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry reported arrests of two reckless drivers after video clips surfaced, and a drug-control operation seizing 800 “chemical”-soaked sheets. International Law: A Kuwaiti diplomat told the UN Human Rights Council that attacks on oil tankers violate international humanitarian law and endanger the right to life. Global Energy Risk: Reports warn that the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al-Mandab are under simultaneous pressure, threatening global trade and energy flows.

US-Iran War Costs & Transparency: The Pentagon’s latest Iran-war price tag has climbed to $43.6 billion as of Sept. 3, with munitions costs jumping sharply, while new reporting says more US deaths occurred than the public tally shows. Gulf Security Talks: Trump says he faces a “big decision” on whether to resume large-scale attacks on Iran and will consult Saudi, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman during UN General Assembly week, with talk of a postwar strategy. Kuwait Law & Order: Kuwait’s Traffic Directorate jailed two reckless drivers and sent their cars to the crusher after video evidence of dangerous driving. Anti-Drug Enforcement: Kuwait airport customs at T4 seized hashish, cocaine, and 4,144 Lyrica capsules; Kuwait also arrested a Bangladeshi suspect in a separate drug trafficking case. Regional Fallout: Saudi halted exports after drone damage to the East-West pipeline; Yemen fighting displaced 100,000+ civilians, and Kuwait condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi targets. Kuwait in International Security: Kuwait’s Army Chief attended the Aqaba initiative meeting in Paris, while Kuwait and Canada signed a defense cooperation MoU.

Iran-Gulf Security: US President Donald Trump says he’s nearing a “big decision” on whether to resume large-scale attacks on Iran, with the call expected to be shaped by a UNGA meeting next week with Saudi, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman. Maritime Pressure on Hormuz: Iran’s IRGC claims it struck a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and shows a seized advanced US undersea drone, as shipping and energy routes stay under strain. Kuwait’s Defence Role: Kuwait’s Army chief Lt. Gen. Khaled Draj Al-Sharayan joined the Aqaba Initiative meeting in Paris, focusing on support for the Lebanese Army and regional security coordination. Kuwait-Canada Ties: Kuwait and Canada signed a defence and security cooperation memorandum during talks in Ottawa. Regional Diplomacy: A report says Israel and Kuwait have held quiet talks on regional cooperation, driven by the shared Iranian threat. Energy Markets: Oil prices slid as supply fears eased, while Saudi export workarounds via Oman gained attention. Travel Policy: The UK listed Kuwait among five Gulf states eligible for an Electronic Visa Waiver. Education Tech: DataFlow Group signed an agreement with Kuwait’s higher education ministry to modernise academic credential verification.

US-Iran Escalation Talks: Trump says he’s nearing a “big decision” on whether to resume large-scale attacks on Iran, ahead of a Sept 22 UN General Assembly meeting with Gulf leaders including Kuwait. Regional Security: Kuwait condemned a Houthi drone attack on Saudi Taif that killed one and injured two, calling it a breach of sovereignty and international law. UN Diplomacy: The US approved visas for Iran’s president and foreign minister to attend the UNGA, while Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas was again denied entry. Kuwait Courts & Law: A misdemeanor court acquitted a woman accused of insulting school staff, citing lack of evidence and context. Citizenship Probe: DNA testing in a Kuwait nationality fraud case involving 62 people reportedly found family links tied to Syrian brothers. Domestic Enforcement: A traffic crackdown logged 34,375 violations and arrested 70 wanted people. Public Safety: Fire Force handled 8,282 emergency calls in H1 2026, urging tighter electrical safety. Education & Fees: Kuwait raised tuition caps for private Arab and Pakistani schools, with phased installment rules. Humanitarian Impact: Kuwait’s Gaza Specialty Hospital will suspend most services from Sunday due to fuel cutoffs. Govt Communication: Kuwait stressed fast, accurate official messaging to curb rumors.

Iran-Gulf Security Talks: US President Trump is set to meet GCC leaders (including Kuwait) in New York on Sept 22 to discuss a “day-after” postwar strategy for Iran, with the plan expected to be finalized after the Nov midterms, Axios reports. War Costs & Damage: A Pentagon watchdog report on “Operation Epic Fury” puts the US war cost at about $33.4bn through late June, citing damage to US bases across Kuwait and the region plus munitions shortfalls. Kuwait Counterterror Case: Kuwait’s State Security Appeals Court sentenced three Kuwaitis and a Lebanese national to 10 years over alleged Hezbollah membership and financing, with fines totaling KD6.283m. Women & Work: Kuwait’s citizen workforce is near parity for women, but a pay gap persists: women earn about 26.7% less on average than men. Higher Education Integrity: DataFlow Group signed a cooperation deal with Kuwait’s Ministry of Higher Education to strengthen academic credential verification. Public Safety Enforcement: Kuwait Fire Force closed 24 violating businesses in Farwaniya and issued notices and closure warnings during an inspection campaign. OIC Diplomacy: OIC’s new SG Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed said Kuwait will be among his first stops, highlighting reform and humanitarian cooperation. Citizenship Debate: A new nationality-law amendment frames “who is Kuwaiti” and ties citizenship to access to welfare benefits, sparking renewed policy discussion.

Arbitration Reform: Kuwait’s Cabinet approved a draft decree-law to issue an Arbitration Law, positioning it as a key pillar for faster, more flexible dispute resolution. UN Diplomacy: The Cabinet also named Kuwait’s delegation for the Crown Prince’s New York visit for the 81st UN General Assembly high-level week (Sept 19-26). Houthi Threat to Holy Sites: Kuwait strongly condemned a Houthi drone attempt targeting Makkah, praising Saudi air defenses and reaffirming solidarity with Saudi Arabia and GCC security. Regional Security Intel: A report says Israel’s military chiefs met counterparts in Germany, including Kuwait, to coordinate on Iran and Yemen/Houthi threats. US-Iran War Fallout: CBS published new images of damage from Iranian strikes at US sites, including Kuwait, while US officials and watchdog reports continue to dispute the scale and costs of the conflict. Local Crime: Police found an Asian expatriate dead in Farwaniya and arrested a six-member gang accused of stealing copper and electrical cables, with materials seized for prosecution. Environment & Resilience: Kuwait’s Environment Public Authority highlighted mangrove cultivation to restore coastal ecosystems and boost climate adaptation. Sports & Youth: Kuwait raised its flag at the Asian Games in Japan; locally, Kuwait’s national team continues Gulf Cup preparations after a Doha camp. Tech & Business: Zain Kuwait signed with Schneider Electric to improve resilience of critical digital infrastructure. Economy Watch: Real estate trades totaled about KD 48.9m in early September, while Kuwait’s Fire Force ran closures and notices in Fahaheel Industrial Area.

US-Iran War Fallout: A Pentagon watchdog report and leaked CBS photos point to wider damage from Iranian missile and drone strikes on US bases across West Asia, including Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, while US officials warn of munitions shortfalls and inventory strain. Regional Security Coordination: Axios reports a confidential CENTCOM-hosted Germany meeting bringing together US, Israel, and Gulf military chiefs including Kuwait to discuss Iran and escalation risks. Kuwait Diplomacy: Kuwait’s foreign minister met Germany’s chancellor adviser in Berlin, reviewing bilateral ties and regional security. Houthi Attacks on Saudi: Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain condemned Houthi missile/drone strikes on Saudi cities, reiterating solidarity with Riyadh. Digital Government: PACI launched an online Sahel service for citizens to change residential addresses without visiting offices. Anti-Drug Enforcement: Kuwait Customs at Terminal 4 seized about 9.6kg of meth from a passenger arriving from London. Judicial Modernisation: Kuwait presented its digital judicial inspection experience at an Arab meeting in Oman. Health Recognition: Kuwait’s Prof. Moussa Khorshid received an IFSO Pioneer Award in Toronto. Education Update: CBSE announced special Class 12 re-exams for eligible students in Kuwait and other Gulf states plus Iran. Environment & Society: Kuwait Environment Protection Society marked International Ozone Day and the Kigali Amendment’s 10th anniversary.

Iran War & Hormuz Pressure: The US says it destroyed eight Iranian crude carriers in strikes, as Trump warns more will follow—while Pentagon watchdog reporting points to damage across bases and diplomatic sites, plus munitions shortfalls and supply bottlenecks. Kuwait Security Posture: Kuwait’s MoI reiterated a nationwide drone and aerial photography ban, and warned travelers not to carry parcels for others after drug-smuggling cases. Regional Military Coordination: CENTCOM hosted senior commanders from the US, Israel and Arab states including Kuwait in Germany to discuss deepening security cooperation and keeping forces in place. Kuwait Infrastructure & Services: Kuwait’s grid handled summer 2026 with a peak of 17,540 MW, down 70 MW year-on-year, citing conservation and demand management. Public Safety: The Supreme Traffic Council reviewed road-safety indicators and plans to expand traffic awareness in schools; the Fire Force closed 23 facilities and issued notices after Ahmadi inspections. Health Procurement: CAPT opened bids for three MoH tenders, with 29 firms eligible, covering hospital upgrades and data-center improvements. Women in Policing: Acting PM/Interior Minister Fahad Al-Yousef witnessed the swearing-in of 14 female police graduates trained in Qatar. Education Policy: The Education Ministry set rules for new gifted schools, with Kuwait preparing to enroll the first middle-school cohort later this month. Diplomacy & Trade: Kuwait’s FM met the UK’s Ed Miliband on Strait of Hormuz security; UAE-Kuwait trade rose 11.3% to AED 55.5bn; Kuwait Airways and Emirates expanded partnership via codeshare. Local Life & Economy: Uber launched in Kuwait; Kuwait condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi cities; Kuwait highlighted AI and media innovation at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai.

Kuwait Security Update: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has reiterated a nationwide ban on drones and aerial photography “until further notice,” warning violators will face legal action. US-Iran War Fallout: A Pentagon inspector general report says Operation Epic Fury cost about $33.4bn (Feb 28–June 30), including $22.3bn on munitions, while also confirming “strategic inventory shortfalls” and industrial bottlenecks that are driving ammunition and advanced weapons shortages; it also details damage to US bases and diplomatic facilities across the region, including Kuwait, and losses such as dozens of aircraft and up to 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones. Regional Shipping Tensions: Iran and Oman reached an understanding on specific entry/exit routes for Hormuz traffic, but experts say it may not mean the strait is reopened, while a planned Iran-Gulf meeting was cancelled. Sports & Community: Kuwait’s Zain renewed sponsorship of Team Kuwait for major regional events, and Kuwait will host the Saudi Super Cup in December (Dec 19–23) at Jaber Al-Ahmad Stadium. Charity & Governance: Kuwait’s Awqaf minister said Zakat House work will continue, focusing on upgrading services for beneficiaries and volunteers.

US-Iran Maritime War: A Pentagon watchdog report says Iran strikes damaged or destroyed hundreds of buildings at US bases across Kuwait and the region, while also flagging US munitions shortfalls and supply bottlenecks. Regional Security & Oil: US claims of destroying Iranian tankers and warnings of more strikes are pushing Brent back above $100, while Gulf states keep rethinking chokepoints from Hormuz to the Red Sea. Kuwait Economy & Finance: A Kuwaiti citizen filed a complaint after KD 2,000 was withdrawn from her account without authorization; investigators will probe how access was obtained. Commerce Shake-up: Kuwait accepted the resignation of the commerce minister and named Abdulaziz Al-Marzouq as acting minister. Education & Daily Life: Schools reopened with added security and traffic patrols; the education minister inspected readiness and backed a new trainee-teacher post. Public Safety: Fire Force inspections in the Qibla area led to closures and warnings over fire-safety compliance. Youth & Sports: Kuwait launched its merged “Youth and Sports Season” with a new identity, aiming to attract major events. GCC Integrity: Kuwait’s anti-corruption authority joined GCC talks on unifying regional anti-corruption work and positions. Sports Diplomacy: Kuwait will host the Saudi Super Cup (Dec 19–23) for the first time, with a draw set for Oct 14.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Oman postponed a regional foreign-ministers meeting in Salalah on managing Strait of Hormuz shipping, citing the need for consensus; Kuwait was among the invited states, as Iran and Gulf partners seek a temporary arrangement amid ongoing maritime tensions. Security & Law: Kuwait’s Salmiya police removed 73 abandoned vehicles, boats and caravans in a field campaign, while authorities also investigate the theft of six telecom batteries in Al-Abdali. Education Policy: The Ministry of Education approved admission of 2,991 students into the high school pathways system, with notifications sent via the Masar platform and Sahel app. Environment & Youth: Reem Al-Fulaij will patronize the “your school’s wish” recycling competition, pushing plastic sorting and recycling in government schools. Regional Cooperation: Kuwait’s education undersecretary joined a GCC preparatory meeting on joint education files, including technical education, occupational training and a proposed Gulf school sports league. Shipping & Navigation Advocacy: Kuwait’s ambassador to the UK met the ICS chief as the shipping body renews its “No Tolls/No Control Change” push for a toll-free Strait of Hormuz.

US-Iran Maritime Tensions: Trump said the US will “take out” more Iranian tankers, as Central Command reported destroying eight Iranian crude carriers in two strikes; the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint for global oil flows. Regional Diplomacy: Oman postponed a planned Persian Gulf foreign ministers’ meeting in Salalah, aiming for “consensus,” with Iran and Gulf states still seeking a mechanism for shipping traffic. Kuwait Foreign Affairs: Kuwait’s PM and Foreign Minister held a phone call with Qatar’s leadership, stressing de-escalation and freedom of navigation. Aviation & Security: Kuwait issued an Amiri decree regulating drones and light sport aircraft, with jail and KD 5,000 fines for violations; civil aviation officials called it a safety boost. Judiciary & Kuwaitization: Justice Minister Nasser Al-Sumait said the judiciary will reach 100% Kuwaiti by Sept 30, 2030, with Kuwaitization currently at 87%. Education Policy: Teacher allowances were raised for Kuwaiti educators, and the 2026/2027 school year opened for 481,511 students. Local Policing: Salmiya police removed 73 abandoned vehicles/boats/caravans; authorities are investigating theft of six telecom batteries in Al-Abdali. Public Safety: Drug control arrested 13 suspects in multiple cases, seizing meth, hashish, Captagon, and weapons.

Education & Youth: Kuwait’s Education Ministry says it is ready for the 2026-27 school year, welcoming about 481,000 students (classes start Sunday for first grade, Monday for other primary/intermediate/secondary, and Wednesday for kindergarten). Social Affairs & Charity Law: The Social Affairs Minister says a new charity and humanitarian work law (Decree-Law No. 87/2026) sets up a National Center to regulate the sector, tighten oversight, and curb misuse including money laundering and terrorist financing. Public Safety & Fire Services: Kuwait amends the General Fire Force law (Decree-Law No. 85/2026), updating disciplinary steps, trainee allowances, recruitment of specialists, and settlement provisions for fire violations. Aviation Rules: Kuwait issues a new drone and air-sports framework (Decree-Law No. 89/2026): unapproved operations can bring up to 3 years in prison and fines up to KD5,000, with the Interior Ministry approval required. Justice & Kuwaitization: The Justice Minister highlights a new mechanism for selecting public prosecutors, with Kuwaitization in the judiciary at 87% and a target of 92% by 2027. International & Regional: Kuwait condemns attacks tied to the wider Gulf crisis, while the region faces renewed shipping and energy strain as conflict disrupts key maritime routes. Transport & Economy: Kuwait Airways takes delivery of its sixth Airbus A330-900neo “Qaruh”, with a seventh expected soon.

Energy & Security: Kuwait condemned drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, calling them a violation of sovereignty and international law, while Saudi shut the line after the strike and Iraq dismissed a commander and launched probes. Regional Diplomacy: Kuwait’s foreign ministry urged Baghdad to stop attacks originating from its territory as Houthis press near Bab el-Mandeb and shipping risks keep oil prices volatile. Justice & Equal Opportunity: Justice Minister Nasser Al-Sumait said sons and daughters are equal under a new, unified electronic exam mechanism for selecting Public Prosecution candidates. Digital Inclusion: PADISCO launched 10 new e-services on the Sahel app for persons with disabilities, from disability certificates to appointments and exemptions. Sports Development: Kuwait Football Association began permits for Al-Azraq Academy with $8m FIFA support; FIFA also granted official ranking status to the Arabian Gulf Cup. Public Services & Daily Life: Kuwait readies roads for 481,511 students returning, and Interior deployed traffic patrols for the new school year. Banking: UGB shareholders approved renaming to Burgan Bank Bahrain, pending approvals.