Kuwaiti Cabinet Holds Meeting Chaired by HH Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah

The Cabinet held its meeting today, Tuesday, August 11, 2026, presided over by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister, may God protect him. Following the meeting, His Excellency Sheikh Sharida Abdullah Al-Muwasharji, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, issued the following statement:

“The Cabinet expressed its strong condemnation and rejection of the attacks launched by the Houthi militia on the Najran region in the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, targeting civilian infrastructure and resulting in injuries to several innocent civilians. This constitutes a blatant violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, a breach of international law and international humanitarian law, and an escalation that undermines regional security and stability. The Cabinet affirmed Kuwait’s absolute solidarity with the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, standing by its side and supporting all measures it takes to safeguard its sovereignty, preserve its security and stability, and protect its people and residents on its territory. It emphasized that the security of the Kingdom is an integral part of the security of the State of Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

In this context, the Cabinet expressed Kuwait’s welcome of the statement issued by the members of the Security Council on August 7, 2026, which condemned the missile attacks launched by the Houthi militia against the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since July 13, 2026, as well as the attacks against commercial vessels since July 22, 2026. It expressed Kuwait’s full appreciation for the statement’s emphasis on the necessity of adhering to international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, foremost among which is Resolution 2216, and respecting the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the sisterly Republic of Yemen. It rejected acts that threaten regional security and the rights and freedoms of maritime navigation. The Cabinet reaffirmed Kuwait’s full solidarity with the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its support for all measures it takes to preserve its sovereignty and security. It also renewed Kuwait’s support for the legitimate Yemeni government and for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen aimed at achieving peace, security, and stability in the sisterly Republic of Yemen.

On another note, the Cabinet expressed its strong condemnation and rejection of the reprehensible Iranian attack that targeted one of the tankers belonging to the UAE’s ADNOC company as it passed through the Strait of Hormuz last Saturday. This act constitutes a blatant violation of international law and Security Council Resolution 2817, and poses a direct threat to the security and safety of maritime navigation and global energy supplies. The Cabinet stressed the urgent need for an immediate halt to all escalatory actions and adherence to international law rules that guarantee freedom of navigation. It affirmed Kuwait’s rejection of any attack on the security and safety of maritime navigation, and reaffirmed Kuwait’s full support for the sisterly United Arab Emirates and its backing of all measures taken to safeguard its sovereignty, protect its security, and safeguard its interests.

On a separate note, the Cabinet heard a briefing from His Excellency Sheikh Jaraah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, regarding the political and diplomatic efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic missions abroad to keep pace with the latest developments on the regional and international scenes.

In this context, His Excellency informed the Cabinet of the substance of the telephone calls he held and received over the past few days with several foreign ministers of sisterly and friendly countries. These communications reviewed the latest regional developments and diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation, enhancing security and stability in the region, and ensuring the safety and freedom of maritime navigation.”

On another note, the Council of Ministers decided to suspend work in all ministries, government entities, and public authorities and institutions on Thursday, August 27, 2026, as an official holiday in celebration of the blessed Prophet’s Birthday for the year 1448 AH. Official work will resume on Sunday, August 30, 2026. As for entities with special operational nature, their holidays shall be determined by the competent authorities concerned, taking into account the public interest.

In a separate development, the Council of Ministers approved a draft law decree regarding the regulation of the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), light sport aircraft, air sports, and related activities. The aim is to establish a comprehensive legislative framework that defines the conditions for registration, licensing, authorization, and operation of such aircraft, as well as the obligations, prohibitions, and penalties prescribed for violations. This measure was taken because the unregulated use of these aircraft may pose risks to the safety of air navigation, national security, public order, individual privacy, and the safety of persons and property. Furthermore, misuse of such aircraft could threaten airports, critical infrastructure, and restricted or prohibited zones.

The draft law decree assigns the General Authority of Civil Aviation the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of the law’s provisions, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, security and military authorities, and other relevant government entities.

The aforementioned draft law decree comprises 44 articles distributed across six chapters: General Provisions, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Registration, Licenses, and Permits, Obligations, Prohibitions, and Measures, Penalties, and Final Provisions.

The Council of Ministers referred the draft law decree on the regulation of the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, light sport aircraft, air sports, and related activities to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect and guard him.

On another note, the Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs, Dr. Tariq Hamad Al-Jalahma, informed the Council of Ministers that Wednesday, August 12, 2026, coincides with World Youth Day. This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 to be celebrated annually on August 12. The Minister highlighted Kuwait’s keen interest in youth issues, aiming to enhance their capacities and support their projects, considering them the nation’s true wealth. He noted that this occasion provides countries with an opportunity to celebrate youth, look forward to their achievements, initiatives, and meaningful participation across all levels, and to recognize their innovations and entrepreneurial solutions. This stems from the importance of their participation in various fields, including social, economic, sports, cultural, scientific, and artistic sectors. He emphasized that the State of Kuwait pays great attention to youth, considering them the largest demographic segment and a positive force that contributes to driving development forward.

For his part, the Council of Ministers reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to supporting the youth sector, providing distinctive opportunities, empowering national cadres, and enhancing their pioneering role in sustainable development and nation-building. The Council stressed its dedication to creating employment opportunities and specialized training programs for youth, in collaboration with government entities and national institutions, and in partnership with international organizations. This aims to leverage global expertise in the youth sector to develop their leadership and creative capacities and to involve them in decision-making processes.

On another note, the Cabinet heard a briefing from His Excellency Minister of Finance Dr. Yaqoob Al-Sayed Yousef Al-Rafai regarding the report issued last Friday by Fitch Ratings on Kuwait’s sovereign credit rating. The report affirmed that Kuwait’s long-term sovereign rating stands at AA (stable outlook). His Excellency outlined the key findings of the Fitch report, which stated that Kuwait’s credit rating reflects the country’s exceptional strength in its financial and external positions. He noted that Fitch expects current regional geopolitical instability to impact local economic growth amid fluctuations in oil production. The agency also projected positive, albeit slower, growth for non-oil GDP, supported by government spending on infrastructure development projects. Furthermore, Fitch anticipated a slight rise in inflation in 2026, followed by a decline in 2027. Regarding Kuwait’s external assets, Fitch reaffirmed the country’s exceptionally strong external financial position, projecting that net sovereign foreign assets as a percentage of GDP will exceed ten times the average for AA-rated countries in 2026. His Excellency emphasized that Fitch considers the potential repercussions of ongoing geopolitical instability to remain manageable, given Kuwait’s substantial financial buffers.

For his part, the Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to continuing financial reforms aimed at enhancing Kuwait’s credit rating in relevant global indices.

The Cabinet also reviewed several items on the agenda, including reports and minutes of ministerial committees, and approved them. It also decided to refer certain items to the relevant ministerial committees for study and to submit appropriate recommendations to complete the necessary procedures for their implementation.