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CITRA plans new regulations for telecom service distributors in Kuwait

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CITRA plans new regulations for telecom service distributors in Kuwait

New CITRA regulations aim to streamline the distribution of mobile and virtual telecom services in Kuwait.

KUWAIT CITY, June 10: The Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) has launched a major initiative aimed at regulating the operations of telecommunications service distributors in Kuwait. These distributors play a crucial role in delivering mobile and virtual communication services to the public on behalf of licensed telecom providers. This regulatory shift signals a broader move towards governance, transparency, and quality assurance in the country’s telecom sector.

In an official statement, CITRA confirmed that it had prepared a draft regulation titled “Regulations for Mobile and Virtual Telecommunications Services Distributors”, now open for public consultation. The step reflects CITRA’s commitment to participatory policy-making and aligns with its goal of improving service standards and market efficiency amid rapid digital transformation.

The Authority emphasized that no final regulatory decision will be made without gathering feedback from relevant stakeholders, including telecom operators, legal and technical experts, and current distributors. This consultative approach aims to create a regulatory environment that balances market regulation with investment encouragement and ease of doing business.

Licensing requirements outlined

The proposed regulation outlines several strict conditions for companies wishing to obtain a license as an “authorized telecommunications services distributor.” These include:

  • A valid commercial license from a legally recognized entity (LLC or joint-stock company).n
  • A preliminary agreement with a licensed telecom operator outlining their working relationship.n
  • At least ten operational branches within Kuwait.n
  • Submission of detailed business and technical proposals.n
  • Proof of compliance with the national workforce quota.n
  • An annual non-refundable license fee of KWD 5,000 and a matching unconditional bank guarantee.n
  • One-year license validity, renewable upon timely application.n

CITRA will process completed applications within 21 business days. Lack of response within this period will be interpreted as an implicit rejection. Upon approval, applicants must submit a finalized license contract.

Obligations for telecom companies

Mobile and virtual telecom providers are also required to meet several responsibilities under the draft regulation. They must:

  • Work exclusively with CITRA-licensed distributors.n
  • Integrate distributor systems directly into their transaction platforms.n
  • Submit regular reports and audits to the Authority.n
  • Ensure distributors are technically capable and well-trained.n
  • Restrict service activation to post-audit approval and verify all activations are tied to actual end users.n
  • Disclose commission structures and report any contractual or regulatory violations.n

Duties of authorized distributors

Authorized distributors, in turn, must adhere to all CITRA regulations. Key requirements include:

  • Strict prohibition against subcontracting services.n
  • Prior notification to CITRA before signing or renewing agreements with telecom companies.n
  • Issuance of employee identification cards and system-linked user logs.n
  • Installation of surveillance systems at sales points.n
  • Implementation of cybersecurity measures and reporting of any breaches.n
  • Compliance with national labor quotas and proof of employee training and qualification.n

General provisions and oversight

The regulation also includes general provisions governing both telecom providers and distributors. Highlights include:

  • Shared accountability for compliance with CITRA’s rules and national legislation.n
  • Obligatory integration with CITRA-monitored systems for data registration and updates.n
  • Authority oversight over any contractual changes, including termination or renewal.n
  • Provision for exclusive agreements, if contractually stipulated.n
  • CITRA as the sole authority for approving the allocation of services and products.n
  • Mandatory submission of information requested by the Authority and compliance with regulated pricing.n

CITRA emphasized that this regulatory overhaul reinforces its position as an institutionally open and professional body. The draft regulation is designed to promote fair competition, improve service quality, and foster a technologically advanced and investor-friendly telecom environment in Kuwait.

The Authority invites feedback from industry participants and the public during the consultation phase before moving to finalize the regulation.

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CMA launches regulatory framework for emerging companies on KSE

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CMA launches regulatory framework for emerging companies on KSE

Kuwait enhances Stock Exchange access for emerging firms with amendments to listing rules.

KUWAIT CITY, July 1: Kuwait’s Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has officially launched a new regulatory environment to support the listing and trading of emerging companies on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE), in cooperation with Boursa Kuwait. The initiative includes the creation of a dedicated platform for these companies, alongside key amendments to existing listing rules.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the CMA confirmed that the move is part of broader efforts to adopt international best practices, promote capital market development, diversify investment tools, and enhance both market competitiveness and transparency — all aimed at bolstering investor protection.

The approved amendments focus on strengthening listing standards by requiring companies to maintain certain conditions, including minimum thresholds for free float shares and their market value. These measures are designed to improve liquidity and ensure sustained compliance with regulatory obligations.

The Authority emphasized that supporting emerging companies is crucial to driving economic growth and aligns with Kuwait’s broader strategic vision. The newly launched market will offer an attractive financing environment for smaller and growing enterprises while providing investors with fresh opportunities governed by high transparency standards.

The regulatory framework is the result of a comprehensive study conducted by the CMA, which formed the basis for drafting specific rules to govern the emerging companies market. The platform is intended to serve as both a support system for these businesses and a dynamic investment space in line with global benchmarks.

The CMA also underscored the importance of continuously evolving the rules that govern listing conditions. This includes safeguarding investor interests by removing companies that fail to meet their obligations and ensuring adequate liquidity by enforcing minimum requirements for free float shares in both the primary and secondary market segments.

Additionally, the Authority reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing executive regulations that protect investors and empower small shareholders to actively participate in corporate decision-making processes.

This latest move is seen as a significant step toward further modernizing Kuwait’s financial sector and creating a more inclusive and diversified capital market landscape.

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Second phase of merging Kuwait oil companies underway

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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 

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Kuwait enhances laws to combat money laundering and terror funding

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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.

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