Connect with us

Business

Kuwait Business Council in Dubai drives growth of over 1,800 Kuwaiti firms in UAE

Published

on

Kuwait Business Council in Dubai drives growth of over 1,800 Kuwaiti firms in UAE

Chairman of the Kuwaiti Business Council in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Firas Al Salem

KUWAIT CITY, May 13: The Kuwait Business Council in Dubai and the Northern Emirates (KBC) plays a pivotal role in supporting over 1,800 Kuwaiti companies operating across the UAE, excluding those in special financial zones like the Dubai International Financial Centre and Abu Dhabi Global Market. Established in May 2016 under the umbrella of the Dubai Chamber, the KBC serves as a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the presence and success of Kuwaiti businesses in the UAE. 

Firas Al-Salem, Chairman of the KBC, emphasized the council’s commitment to facilitating the growth of Kuwaiti enterprises by providing essential services and fostering strong relationships with UAE authorities. The council collaborates with various government agencies, including the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Economy, to address challenges faced by Kuwaiti investors and to raise awareness about the support available through the council.

Kuwait’s investments in the UAE have surpassed $55 billion, with significant contributions in real estate, financial markets, and commercial sectors. The UAE hosts over 44,000 Kuwaiti investors in its financial markets and more than 22,000 in real estate, with these numbers continuing to grow annually. The favorable legislative environment, proactive government efforts, and successful economic diversification in the UAE have made it an attractive destination for Kuwaiti investments. 

The KBC’s activities encompass a wide range of sectors, including ground services at airports, retail, healthcare, hospitality, real estate development, financial markets, and financial services. Notably, Kuwaiti banks maintain a presence in the UAE through branches and representative offices, with expectations for further expansion, particularly in wealth and capital management services.

To support its members, the KBC offers three types of membership tailored to different segments of Kuwaiti society. Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) have been signed with relevant authorities to facilitate account opening for Kuwaiti citizens, students, and startups expanding in the UAE. Additionally, the council collaborates with the Dubai Chamber’s Arbitration Center and Business Development and Attraction Center to provide incentives for Kuwaiti companies investing in the UAE.

The KBC also works closely with the Sharjah Investment Authority to present investment opportunities to the Kuwaiti private sector interested in the emirate. Furthermore, the council has agreed to support student membership to facilitate the inclusion of the Kuwaiti student community, recognizing their integral role in Kuwaiti society.

Al-Salem highlighted the importance of agreements between Kuwait and the UAE, such as the prevention of double taxation and customs agreements, in reducing the tax burden on companies and promoting economic cooperation. The KBC continues to advocate for policies that enhance the business environment and support the interests of Kuwaiti investors in the UAE.

Established as the first of its kind for Kuwaiti business communities abroad, the KBC aims to enrich the experiences of Kuwaiti companies in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, enhancing expertise, opportunities, and relationships. The council remains dedicated to facilitating the growth and success of Kuwaiti businesses in the UAE, contributing to the strengthening of economic ties between the two nations.

Business

Second phase of merging Kuwait oil companies underway

Published

on

By

KUWAIT CITY, June 30: In preparation for the second phase of merging the subsidiaries of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), informed sources revealed that the executive phase of merging Gulf Oil Company with Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has begun through the transfer of the corporation’s shares in the capital of the Gulf Oil Company to KOC. They highlighted a meeting held recently between the two companies’ CEOs to start making administrative decisions regarding this matter. The sources explained that the second phase, following the initial merger of KIPIC with the Kuwait National Petroleum Company, is part of KPC’s strategy to restructure the oil sector. This phase commenced with a meeting between KOC’s CEO Ahmed Al-Eidan, acting CEO of Gulf Oil Company Bader Al-Munaifi, and representatives from the oil sector’s leadership and workforce. The meeting also discussed the implications of Decision No. 60/2024, issued on May 5, 2024, concerning the transfer of KPC’s ownership of shares. ‘

Al-Eidan affirmed the importance of job stability and preserving all benefits of Gulf Oil employees. It was decided that the legal and administrative status of Gulf Oil Company will remain unchanged at this stage, including the company’s name, logo, and operational sites at its headquarters and joint operations in Khafji and Al-Wafra. The sources clarified that Al-Eidan indicated the change is limited solely to the transfer of share ownership, with KOC becoming the owning entity instead of KPC. Consequently, the highest authority will be the Board of Directors of KOC, without affecting daily operations or the current institutional structure.

By Najeh Bilal
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff 

Continue Reading

Business

Kuwait enhances laws to combat money laundering and terror funding

Published

on

By

Kuwait enhances laws to combat money laundering and terror funding

The Kuwait government approves tougher measures to tackle financial crimes.

KUWAIT CITY, June 30: Kuwait is intensifying efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing by enhancing its legislative framework, announced Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Noura Al-Fassam on Monday.

The minister spoke in a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance following the publication of Decree Law No. (76) of 2025 in the official gazette, Kuwait Today. This decree introduces important amendments to Law No. (106) of 2013, reflecting Kuwait’s integrated government efforts to strengthen measures against financial crimes.

During the Cabinet meeting on June 17, the draft of the amended decree law was approved, underlining Kuwait’s commitment to raising the effectiveness of the national response to money laundering and terrorism financing. The amendments align with the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and relevant international standards.

The new decree law includes two significant amendments:

  • Article One replaces Article (25) of Law No. (106) of 2013, empowering the Council of Ministers, upon the recommendation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to issue necessary decisions to implement United Nations Security Council resolutions related to terrorism, terrorism financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. These decisions will take effect immediately upon issuance, consistent with Security Council Resolution No. 1373 of 2001. The executive regulations will define the rules for publishing these decisions, appealing them, authorizing the release of frozen funds for essential living expenses, and managing such assets.n
  • Article Two adds a new Article (33 bis) to Law No. (106) of 2013, stating that any violation of decisions issued under Article (25) will result in fines ranging from 10,000 to 500,000 Kuwaiti dinars per violation. This penalty complements any additional sanctions imposed by regulatory authorities on financial institutions or designated non-financial businesses.n

The Ministry emphasized that these amendments support the National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing by broadening its powers to apply targeted financial sanctions in compliance with FATF standards. This includes the mandatory freezing of assets belonging to individuals and entities listed locally as terrorists, effective immediately upon decision issuance.

Furthermore, the amendments enable the Committee to impose fines on violators and require publishing the national list of designated terrorists on the Committee’s official website, enhancing transparency and meeting international obligations.

Minister Al-Fassam concluded that the updated legislative measures reaffirm Kuwait’s strong commitment to fighting financial crimes, safeguarding national security and stability, and fulfilling its global responsibilities.

Continue Reading

Business

Kuwait updates regulations for public properties and service fees

Published

on

By

Kuwait updates regulations for public properties and service fees

Updated regulations aim to boost fair use and revenue from state properties.

KUWAIT CITY, June 30: The Ministry of Finance announced on Sunday the issuance of a new ministerial decision amending the regulations governing the use of state-owned real estate and service fees, in a move aimed at achieving a fair balance between public interest and the needs of individuals and institutions.

In a press statement, the Ministry said the decision comes as part of its broader efforts to regulate the use of government-owned properties and protect national resources. Ministerial Resolution No. 54 of 2025 introduces amendments to the regulations first outlined in Resolution No. 40 of 2016.

Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, Eng. Noura Al-Fassam, stated that the amendments are intended to ensure fairness, clarify procedures, and improve transparency in the utilization of state assets.

“These changes aim to establish a fair balance in how state-owned properties are used by citizens and entities, while safeguarding public interests,” Al-Fassam said.

She added that the updated regulations were the result of a comprehensive pricing study comparing Gulf and international markets. The amended prices remain below average rates in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and were developed with Kuwait’s economic and social conditions in mind. The goal, Al-Fassam noted, is to promote equal opportunities and secure sustainable revenue streams for the state.

The amendments cover a wide range of activities involving the use of state-owned property, including chalets, rest houses, commercial complexes, cooperative societies, banks, and warehouses. They also apply to educational institutions, sports clubs, and hospitals.

In support of national food security and the promotion of local production, the Ministry also announced the stabilization of agricultural coupon prices under the new regulations.

The revised framework reflects Kuwait’s continued efforts to modernize its public asset management policies while maintaining a strong emphasis on economic fairness, efficiency, and sustainability.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 SKUWAIT.COM .