Kuwait’s Cabinet approved a draft decree-law for a new Arbitration Law during its weekly meeting on September 16, 2026, highlighting arbitration as a key mechanism for efficient justice and enhanced confidence in the business environment. The meeting was chaired by Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah.
The draft Arbitration Law aims to expedite dispute resolution through specialized expertise and flexible procedures. It is designed as a comprehensive and independent legal framework that draws on international arbitration practices while preserving the distinctive features of Kuwait’s legal system. The legislation seeks to balance parties’ freedom of choice with public-order principles related to state sovereignty. It establishes an integrated national arbitration system with defined timeframes, streamlined processes, and specific regulations for government contract disputes. The draft also limits the liability of arbitrators and provides investors with access to expedited dispute resolution and limited recourse.
Following approval, the draft was submitted to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for final ratification. The Cabinet also reviewed and approved other reports and committee recommendations, referring some items for further study.
At the start of the session, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shareeda Al-Mouasherji announced the official delegation accompanying the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on his visit to New York from September 19 to 26. The Crown Prince will lead Kuwait’s delegation to the high-level week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The delegation includes Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Director General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority Sheikh Dr. Meshal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Organizations Ambassador Sadiq Marafi, Kuwait’s Ambassador to the United States Sheikha Al-Zain Sabah Al-Nasser Al-Sabah, and Permanent Delegate to the UN Ambassador Tariq Al-Bannai, alongside officials from the Crown Prince’s Diwan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Cabinet strongly condemned recent attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, reiterating Kuwait’s full solidarity with the Kingdom. Specifically, it denounced an attempted drone attack on Makkah launched by the Houthi militia, describing it as a violation of the sanctity of the holy sites and an affront to Muslim sentiments. The Cabinet commended the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces for their successful interception of the attack and emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s security is integral to the security of Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council states.
Additionally, the Cabinet condemned Houthi ballistic missile and drone attacks on civilian areas including Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif, which resulted in injuries and property damage. Kuwait characterized these attacks as violations of Saudi sovereignty and international humanitarian law and reaffirmed its support for measures protecting Saudi Arabia’s security and stability.
Further condemnation was voiced regarding drones launched from Iraqi territory that targeted the East-West pipeline serving the Riyadh and Madinah regions, causing casualties and material harm. The Cabinet urged the Iraqi government to prevent its territory from being used to carry out such attacks and stressed the importance of regional stability.
The meeting also included a briefing on the unified government electronic services application, Sahel, presented by the Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Information and Culture Omar Saud Al-Omar. Sahel, covering the period from January through August 2026, aims to integrate government services electronically, improve efficiency, simplify procedures for citizens and residents, and accelerate administrative transactions.