Kuwait enjoys a stable economy and respectable GDP, but as government attempts to transform the country into a regional hub for commerce and finance begin to affect its citizens, will opposition parties derail planned reforms? James King reports.
Middle East
Latest articles from Kuwait

Kuwaiti banks plot steady course for success
April 3, 2017Kuwaiti banks are using their strong capital and liquidity position to expand in project financing and consumer banking. James King reports.

Kuwait nears Islamic finance hub status
April 3, 2017As Kuwait’s Islamic banks outperform their conventional peers, the country looks well on its way to becoming a financial hub for sharia-compliant financial services. James King reports.

Kuwait central bank governor builds on risk reduction and regulation measures
April 3, 2017Mohammad Al-Hashel, the governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait, talks to James King about his efforts to strengthen the bank's supervisory capacity, meet the challenges of adopting IFRS9 and ensure the continued stability of the banking system.

Kuwait Banking Association secretary general eyes Islamic finance and PPP opportunities
April 3, 2017Dr Hamad Al-Hasawi, secretary general of the Kuwait Banking Association, talks to James King about the country’s drive to become an Islamic finance hub, and how PPP project financing will bring further opportunities.

Kuwait's CBG looks to stability and sukuk
April 1, 2016The governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait, Mohammad Al-Hashel, tells James King about his efforts to maintain exchange rate stability, prevent banks from becoming over-reliant on the real estate industry, and create a sukuk-friendly environment in the country.

Kuwait navigates the oil hazards
April 1, 2016With its unresolved dispute with Saudi Arabia over the so-called 'neutral zone' rumbling on, record-low oil prices and the possibility of an Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries-imposed production freeze, Kuwait's oil industry is under pressure. Still, the country remains committed to investments in the sector.

Kuwait maintains its long-term vision for growth
April 1, 2016Kuwait's economy has come under pressure in the past year, mainly due to falling oil prices. But, with the help of healthy sovereign reserves, the country has weathered the difficulties well, and the government remains committed to its long-term development plan.

KDIPA chief looks to foreign investment boost for Kuwait
April 1, 2016The director-general of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Agency tells James King how the country's opening up to foreign investment and the liberalisation of its economy is helping to alleviate the impact of the oil price crash.

A cautious optimism: Kuwait's banks stay ahead of the game
April 1, 2016There is a positive mood in Kuwait's banking sector, thanks in no small part to the government's healthy balance sheet and its commitment to project spending. However, the low oil price environment and cooling real estate market loom large on the horizon.