Growing interest among Kuwaitis in establishing light industry, handicrafts, accommodation, and restaurant businesses

Data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry continue to reveal economic activity trends during the first months of the year, reflecting the ongoing concentration of new commercial licenses in commercial and service activities, alongside notable growth in several sectors linked to light industries, craft services, and the accommodation and food sector. This underscores the sustained interest of investors in small and medium-sized enterprises.

According to data issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which cover the top commercial sectors based on the classification of economic activities, 590 new commercial licenses were issued between January and the end of April 2026. These were distributed among 582 licenses for natural person companies, accounting for 98.6% of the total, and only 8 licenses for legal entity companies, representing 1.4%.

The general trade and services sector continued to dominate, capturing more than 61% of all new licenses, with 352 licenses issued during the first four months of the year. These were distributed as follows: 103 in January, 107 in February, 48 in March, and 94 in April, confirming the enduring attractiveness of commercial and service activities to investors and entrepreneurs.

The craft, maintenance, and repair services sector also maintained its positive performance, with the number of licenses rising from 11 in January to 19 in February, then dropping to 12 in March and rising again to 17 in April.

In the accommodation and food services sector, activity remained at stable levels, with monthly licenses ranging between 15 and 23, reflecting the continued appeal of restaurants and cafes.