By Christine Susan Shine

KUWAIT: Despite the global shift toward online shopping, people in Kuwait remain firmly loyal to in-store experiences. According to a 2024 Ipsos report, Spotlight Kuwait: Online Shopper Behavior and Attitudes, 86 percent of Kuwait’s population still prefers to shop in physical stores, making it one of the few markets globally where traditional retail continues to dominate.

In the US, for example, online shopping continues to gain ground over traditional retail, with the overall retail sector projected to contract by 0.2 percent over the next decade. During the 2024 holiday season, 76 percent of American shoppers were planning to buy at least half of their gifts online, according to a CNBC article.

On the other hand, the Ipsos poll found that only 14 percent of Kuwait’s population favors online shopping. Analysts attribute this trend to a mix of cultural habits, convenience, and a lack of trust in online platforms — factors that have shaped a uniquely Kuwaiti approach to retail.

The poll surveyed 500 people across the country, with a sample representative of the population across gender, age (18+), nationality and socioeconomic status. According to Aftab Ellahi, Chief Client Officer at Ipsos Kuwait, mistrust is a big reason people avoid online shopping. “With so many phishing scams and shady websites, people, especially expats — just feel safer paying in-store,” he says.

Kuwait’s small size and conveniently located shopping areas are another factor, a sales official in one of Kuwait’s largest retail companies tells Kuwait Times. “It’s actually easier to get around here than in most big cities,” says an expert in the market. “Traffic’s manageable, everything’s close, and shopping feels like a mini outing.”

Walk into any mall on a weekend and you’ll feel it, the energy of a community that loves to shop, not just for products, but for the experience. In Kuwait, malls are more than shopping centers — they’re weekend spots. With limited entertainment venues, heading to a mall has become a leisure activity. For many, shopping is a social ritual where families meet, and friends catch up.

Fatima, who didn’t give her last name, says no app can replicate the joy of stumbling upon the perfect outfit or bargaining your way to a sweet deal. “We love to touch, try, and explore the products before buying,” explains Fatima, a long-time shopper. “Online images can be misleading. What looks great on screen might not suit us in person.”

Some shoppers like Gabriel, a 29-year-old who didn’t give his last name, gets the best of both worlds: “I order groceries online — it’s fast. But for shoes? I need to try them on. No exceptions.”

Only 14 percent of people surveyed say they prefer online shopping. Even for everyday tasks like bill payments and travel bookings, Kuwait’s population is slower to go digital: 37 percent pay their telecom bills online, while 27 percent use the internet to book their travel.

Surprisingly, this love for physical shopping spans generations. According to Ipsos, two thirds of those aged 45+, and those between 25-44 still enjoy going to stores. Even Gen Z isn’t fully digital — 43 percent of shoppers aged 18–24 say they’d rather try before they buy.

While much of the world settled into a digital-first life after COVID-19, Kuwait swung back to its roots. “People missed the human part of shopping,” says Ellahi. “They want to feel fabrics, smell perfumes, try on clothes — that emotional satisfaction is irreplaceable.”

This shift doesn’t reflect a rejection of digital convenience, but rather a preference for balance. A blend of online accessibility and in-person experiences is shaping Kuwait’s retail landscape, where shopping remains as much a cultural and social activity as a commercial one.

KUWAIT: Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Al-Omar met Wednesday with Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer at Alphabet Inc and its subsidiary Google, to discuss ways to strengthen their strategic partnership. According to a statement by the Ministry of Communications to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Thursday, the meeting, held during Porat’s visit to the country, explored opportunities for cooperation in technology and digital investment. It aimed to enhance the strategic partnership in a way that supports accelerating digital integration within government agencies, in line with the ministry’s efforts to contribute to achieving Kuwait’s development vision, “New Kuwait 2035.”

Earlier this week, Al-Omar had affirmed the ministry’s commitment to expanding strategic partnerships with global tech companies, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity and the Internet of Things (IoT), as part of Kuwait’s broader vision to become a leading digital hub in the region. Speaking on the sidelines of the 20th Arab Media Forum, Al-Omar noted that the ministry continues to build strong collaborations with major international firms like Google Cloud and Microsoft, aiming to accelerate digital transformation across government entities.

He explained that these partnerships include training and certification programs for national talent, providing young Kuwaitis with professional credentials in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies. The minister emphasized that the goal is to transform Kuwait into a regional center for the digital economy by fostering innovation and promoting entrepreneurship in the tech sector. This involves strengthening collaboration with universities, the private sector, and international organizations to create an integrated ecosystem that supports innovation and accelerates knowledge transfer.

On the infrastructure front, Al-Omar stated that the ministry is actively working on developing the telecommunications sector in line with the “New Kuwait 2035” vision, through the expansion of 5G technology and the optical fiber network. These strategic investments pave the way for future technologies such as IoT, advanced computing, and big data. He also highlighted Kuwait’s continued efforts, represented by the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA), to diversify international internet connectivity routes through advanced land and sea cables. These initiatives aim to provide high reliability and security standards, positioning Kuwait as a key data exchange hub between the region and the world. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Women across Kuwait marked twenty years since they secured full political rights on Thursday. Speaking at an event held the same day, Minister of Social Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah recognized the milestone, highlighting the influence of Kuwaiti women across various fields. “Kuwaiti women have proven themselves as vital pillars of national development, achieving success that has placed them at the forefront of progress and contribution,” she said during a forum titled “Strategies to Support Kuwaiti Women in Line with Sustainable Development Goal 5,” held in collaboration with the UN office in Kuwait on Thursday.

Today, Kuwaiti women make up 60 percent of the public sector workforce, 48 percent in the private sector, and 28 percent of leadership roles in state institutions, Al-Huwailah noted. In traditionally male-dominated sectors, they’re also making strides—54 percent of employees at the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation are women, and 41 percent of leadership roles at the Central Bank of Kuwait are held by women.

These gains haven’t gone unnoticed. Kuwait’s global ranking on the Women, Peace, and Security Index has risen to 62nd, and the gender gap has narrowed by ten points. Kuwait also became the first Gulf country to adopt the Women’s Empowerment Principles in 2023, setting a new benchmark for the region.

Laws amendments

But progress isn’t just about numbers. Al-Huwailah pointed to recent key legislative reforms that dismantled systemic injustice, including the recent repeal of Articles 153 and 182 of the Kuwaiti Penal Code. Article 153 had effectively legalized honor killings, allowing men to receive minimal sentences for murdering female relatives under the guise of “protecting family honor.” Article 182 had let kidnappers, rapists included, walk free if they married their victims. The abolition of these laws was a turning point, aligning Kuwait’s legal framework with constitutional guarantees of justice, equality and human dignity.

Ghada Al-Taher

Ghada Al-Taher, UN Resident Coordinator and Representative of the Secretary-General, emphasized that Kuwait’s progress is being recognized internationally. During the 2025 Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the Human Rights Council commended the country for policies aimed at protecting women from violence, promoting economic independence, and expanding women’s decision-making power.

Education has become a powerful lever for transformation in Kuwait. According to UNESCO’s 2024 data, Kuwait has nearly eradicated female illiteracy, with more women enrolling in STEM fields than ever before—positions that are vital to building a knowledge-driven economy.

Women leaders

In business, Kuwaiti women are reshaping the narrative. With state-backed initiatives supporting women entrepreneurs, more women now lead successful ventures. Some have gained international recognition, including Dr Faiza Al-Kharafi, the first woman to lead a university in the Middle East, and Sara Akbar, who was instrumental in extinguishing Kuwait’s oil well fires after liberation. Both have been named among Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women in the World, alongside others who continue to break ground in business, science, and public service.

She also highlighted ongoing efforts to empower women with disabilities, with the Public Authority for Persons with Disabilities pushing initiatives to integrate this group into the workforce and provide access to specialized support.

Despite these gains, Al-Taher acknowledged that deep-rooted challenges remain. “We can’t ignore the societal barriers that still prevent women and girls from fully realizing their potential,” she said. “Achieving full empowerment requires relentless commitment—not just from the state but from every sector.” The UN reaffirmed its pledge to support Kuwait in reviewing legislation, expanding women-focused programs, and driving initiatives that place women at the center of national development—steps crucial to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 and ensuring no woman or girl is left behind.