Prices go up in Kuwait: Food, health, and clothes cost more.

KUWAIT CITY, July 20: Domestic inflation in Kuwait rose by 2.32 percent year-on-year (YoY) in June, according to data released by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) on Sunday.

The CSB also reported a 0.29 percent increase in the consumer price index (CPI) month-on-month for June compared to May.

The bureau attributed the annual inflation rise primarily to price increases across key sectors, especially food, health, clothing, and education — with the exception of transportation, which saw a decline.

Food and beverages prices surged by 5.11 percent in June compared to the same month last year. The prices of cigarettes and tobacco saw a slight increase of 0.07 percent. Clothing costs rose by 3.93 percent, while housing services increased by 0.98 percent. Home furnishings also recorded a notable inflation of 3.30 percent.

Health-related expenses climbed by 2.94 percent, whereas transportation costs dropped by 1.81 percent year-on-year. Communication services experienced a modest rise of 0.64 percent, and entertainment and culture expenses went up by 1.92 percent. Education costs increased by 0.71 percent.

The prices for restaurants and hotels rose by 1.94 percent annually, while miscellaneous goods and services recorded an inflation rate of 4.8 percent.

Excluding the food and beverages category, inflation in Kuwait stood at 1.69 percent year-on-year and 0.23 percent month-on-month in June.

Kuwait debuts first securities-based crowdfunding platform via Capital Markets Authority.

KUWAIT CITY, July 20: In a landmark move aimed at advancing financial innovation, Kuwait’s Capital Markets Authority (CMA) on Sunday announced the official launch of the country’s first securities-based crowdfunding service, marking a significant step toward diversifying investment tools and promoting financial inclusion.

The CMA confirmed in a press statement that Al-Mawazi Capital has become the first company registered in its securities-based financial technology services registry, officially authorized to provide this pioneering platform service.

According to the statement, the launch aligns with the CMA’s broader strategic objectives to implement international best practices, expand capital markets, and introduce modern financial technologies that had previously not existed in Kuwait.

The securities-based crowdfunding model allows businesses—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—to raise funds from the general public by offering capital shares or issuing securities via a licensed digital platform registered with the CMA.

This innovative service is designed to strengthen Kuwait’s financial technology (fintech) sector and bolster financial inclusion by creating alternative financing channels beyond traditional methods. It provides new investment opportunities for retail investors while supporting entrepreneurs and project owners seeking non-traditional capital sources.

The CMA noted that the registered crowdfunding platform acts as a regulated digital marketplace, where issuers can present funding opportunities and investors can engage directly in securities transactions tied to those crowdfunding offerings.

In addition to enhancing cash flow in the market, the platform is expected to attract a wide segment of the population interested in exploring new investment avenues, while also ensuring that entities providing such services meet regulatory standards and that investor rights are protected.

The CMA emphasized the growing significance of financial technologies, describing the sector as “rapidly evolving,” with increasing adoption across both individual and institutional users.

The Authority concluded by reaffirming its commitment to developing Kuwait’s capital markets and fostering innovation in financial services through secure, inclusive, and well-regulated platforms.

KUWAIT CITY, July 19: In an unprecedented development for the Gulf region, 41 percent of startups in Kuwait are now spearheaded by women. This figure — among the highest in the Middle East — is a manifestation of a sweeping transformation in the entrepreneurial landscape of Kuwait, driven by women who are redefining the boundaries of economic participation.

Female entrepreneurs are playing a vital role in challenging long-standing societal stereotypes about women’s roles in the economy. From e-commerce and financial technology to creative ventures that celebrate culture and identity, many women-led projects have shown profitability and significant social impact. Experts attribute this surge to several factors as follows:

Social media has also played an instrumental role; giving Kuwaiti women the tools to market their products, build communities, and bypass traditional barriers that once limited their opportunities.

Among the standout examples is a startup founded by a young female Kuwaiti entrepreneur producing modern feminist cultural content, as well as another that develops smart e-commerce solutions targeting regional markets in the Gulf. Despite these achievements, certain challenges remain. Many women entrepreneurs report difficulties in securing funding on par with their male peers, citing persistent bias in investment circles and bureaucratic hurdles.

Yet, the success and profitability of women-led ventures are beginning to prompt some investors to rethink their priorities and allocate more resources to female founders. The wave of women entrepreneurship aligns with the vision of Kuwait to diversify its economy, away from oil dependency by investing in innovation and the private sector. Programs such as the National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprises Development have been established to incubate emerging businesses and focus on empowering youth and women.