44 Items Seized from Drone Flight

Amid efforts to regulate airspace and strengthen the financial position, the Council of Ministers pursued two parallel tracks: approving a comprehensive legislative framework for the use of drones, and reaffirming its commitment to continuing financial reforms that would enhance the country’s credit rating in relevant global indices.

During its meeting today, chaired by His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Council approved a draft law decree on the regulation of the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), light sport aircraft, air sports, and related activities. The aim is to establish a comprehensive legislative framework that sets out the conditions for registration, licensing, authorization, and operation of such aircraft.

The draft law specifies obligations, prohibitions, and penalties for violations, given that the unregulated use of these drones may pose risks to air navigation safety, national security, public order, individual privacy, and the safety of persons and property. It also addresses potential threats to airports, critical infrastructure, and restricted or prohibited zones arising from misuse.

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, General Authority of Civil Aviation, Registration, Licensing, and Permits, Obligations, Prohibitions, and Measures, Penalties, and Final Provisions.

On another front, the Council of Ministers heard a briefing from Minister of Finance Dr. Yaqoub Al-Rafai regarding the report issued last Friday by Fitch Ratings on Kuwait’s sovereign credit rating. The report confirmed that Kuwait’s long-term sovereign credit rating remains at AA (with a stable outlook).

The minister highlighted 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. Fitch anticipated that current regional geopolitical instability would impact Kuwait’s economic growth rate 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 expected a slight rise in the inflation rate in 2026 before it declines in 2027.

The minister noted that 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 would exceed ten times the average for countries with an AA credit rating in 2026. Fitch also stated that the potential repercussions of ongoing geopolitical instability would remain manageable, given Kuwait’s substantial financial buffers.

For its part, the Council of Ministers reaffirmed its commitment to continuing financial reforms aimed at improving Kuwait’s credit rating in relevant global indices.

The Council of Ministers reviewed a number of items on the agenda, as well as reports and minutes of ministerial committees, and approved them. It also decided to refer some of these items to the relevant ministerial committees for study and to submit appropriate recommendations regarding them to complete the procedures for their implementation.

The Council of Ministers expressed its strong condemnation and rejection of the attacks launched by the Houthi militia on the Najran region in the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, targeting civilian assets, which resulted in the injury of several innocent civilians. This constitutes a blatant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom, a breach of international law and international humanitarian law, and an escalation that undermines regional security and stability. The Council affirmed the absolute solidarity of the State of Kuwait with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, standing by its side and supporting all measures taken to safeguard its sovereignty, preserve its security and stability, and protect its people and residents on its territory. It stressed that the security of the Kingdom is an integral part of the security of the State of Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

In this context, the Council of Ministers expressed the State of Kuwait’s welcome of the statement issued by the members of the Security Council on 7-8-2026, which included condemnation of the missile attacks launched by the Houthi militia against the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since 13-7-2026, and the attacks on commercial ships since 22-7-2026. 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 them Resolution 2216, and respecting the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the brotherly Republic of Yemen. It rejected acts that threaten regional security and the rights and freedoms of maritime navigation. The Council reiterated Kuwait’s full solidarity with the brotherly 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 the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen aimed at achieving peace, security, and stability in the brotherly Republic of Yemen.

The Council of Ministers expressed its strong condemnation and rejection of the culpable Iranian attack that targeted one of the tankers belonging to the UAE’s ADNOC company while it was passing 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 Council stressed the necessity of an immediate halt to all escalatory actions and adherence to the rules of international law that guarantee freedom of navigation.

The Council expressed Kuwait’s rejection of any attack on the security and safety of maritime navigation, reaffirming Kuwait’s full support for the brotherly United Arab Emirates and its backing of all measures taken to safeguard its sovereignty, protect its security, and safeguard its interests.

The Council heard an explanation from Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Jaraah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah 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, Sheikh Jaraah briefed the Council on the substance of the telephone calls he made and received over the past few days with several foreign ministers of brotherly and friendly countries. These calls involved reviewing 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.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Affairs, Dr. Tariq Al-Jalahma, informed the Council that Wednesday coincides with World Youth Day, which was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 and is observed annually on August 12. He highlighted the keen Kuwaiti interest in youth issues, aimed at enhancing their capacities and supporting their projects, recognizing them as the nation’s true wealth. He noted that this occasion provides countries with an opportunity to celebrate young people, look forward to their achievements, initiatives, and meaningful contributions across all fields, and to recognize their innovations and entrepreneurial solutions. This stems from the importance of their participation in various sectors, including social, economic, sports, cultural, scientific, and artistic fields. He emphasized that the State of Kuwait attaches great importance to youth, viewing them as the largest demographic segment and a positive force that contributes to driving development forward.

For his part, the Council 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. It stressed the Cabinet’s dedication to creating employment opportunities and high-quality training programs for youth, in collaboration with government entities and national institutions, and through partnerships with international organizations to leverage global expertise in the youth sector. These efforts aim to develop the leadership and creative capacities of young people and involve them in decision-making processes.