Kuwaiti banks are generally performing well, but their long-term prospects are largely dependent on the May elections bringing political stability to the country. Writer Stephen Timewell
Middle East
Latest articles from Kuwait
Sheikh Salem Abdulaziz Al-Sabah
June 4, 2009The governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait discusses the impact political instability is having on the country and the effect he hopes the new Financial Stability Law will have. Writer Stephen Timewell

Political wrangling hampers Kuwait
June 4, 2009Tension between Kuwait's ruling government and elected parliament are hampering policy formation and intensifying uncertainty as the economy gets back on its feet. Will the new parliament elected last month change the situation? Writer Stephen Timewell
Positive signs on the path to economic harmony
July 1, 2008Sheikh Salem Abdulaziz Al-Sabah, governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait, discusses the latest financial developments in Kuwait with Stephen Timewell.
Boomtowners look beyond borders
July 1, 2008Kuwait’s booming economy is heavily oil dependent, but banks are beginning to look outside the country to strengthen operations and diversify their offer, Stephen Timewell reports from Kuwait.
Kuwait’s direct action holds useful lessons
June 2, 2008Targeted intervention, such as that imposed on borrowing limits by Kuwait, could work in other problem areas of banking.
Enter the challengers
July 4, 2007Competition remains controlled but foreign players are finally getting their feet in the door, adding healthy variety to Kuwait’s banking sector, writes Nadine Marroushi.
Legislative deadlock hampers development
July 4, 2007One of the richest Gulf states, parts of Kuwait’s economy are booming, but politics and bureaucracy still hold back growth, write Nadine Marroushi and Jon Marks.
‘Father of all banks’ keeps his patience
October 2, 2006Central bank governor Sheikh Salem remains positive about Kuwait’s prospects of becoming a financial centre… eventually. Karina Robinson talks to him.
Kuwait in the comfort zone
August 7, 2006Huge oil revenues place Kuwait in an economic comfort zone that helps to diminish political tensions, while Kuwaiti banks are looking across the region for opportunities, writes Eleanor Gillespie, with Jon Marks.