Kuwait has seen a substantial decline in court cases during the first nine months of 2026, reflecting progress in the country’s judicial reforms, Justice Minister Nasser Al-Sumait announced Sunday. According to the minister, the total number of cases before Kuwaiti courts dropped by 20 percent compared to the same period in 2024, a decrease of roughly 170,000 cases.
Al-Sumait reported that cases fell from around 835,000 between January and September 2024 to approximately 665,000 during the same months this year. He attributed this improvement to ongoing efforts to modernize Kuwait’s judicial and legislative frameworks.
The minister highlighted significant reductions across various court sectors. Cases before the Court of Cassation declined by 39 percent, from about 16,000 to 10,000. Partial appeals cases decreased by 41 percent, falling from 5,700 to 3,300. Criminal cases across all courts dropped by 21 percent, from roughly 566,000 to 449,000, while applications for payment orders saw the most dramatic decline of around 60 percent, from nearly 67,000 to 27,000.
During a press conference announcing the final results of the Debtors’ Relief Campaign, which achieved its fundraising goal, Al-Sumait outlined further legislative efforts underway. The third phase of Kuwait’s national legislative modernization plan, launched at the end of June, includes work on a new Personal Status Law expected to be completed by year-end. This law aims to tackle major legal and social issues affecting a broad segment of society.
The reform agenda also includes drafting a new Penal Code, which is nearing completion. The committee responsible for the draft, chaired by Counselor Saud Al-Sanea and composed of judges and senior public prosecutors, is awaiting feedback from two entities before finalizing the text for referral to the Fatwa and Legislation Department. Al-Sumait expressed confidence that the new Penal Code will play a crucial role in reducing crime rates and enhancing the legal system.
Al-Sumait also discussed a recent amendment to the Civil Code issued under the direct guidance of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The narrowly focused amendment safeguards co-owners’ rights in jointly owned residential properties, preventing a forced sale or division that might cause one co-owner—such as a parent or child—to lose their sole residence. Courts may delay property division upon request if the affected co-owner lacks sufficient means to secure alternative housing, considering family and social circumstances.
The amendment also introduces a mechanism allowing remaining co-owners to purchase the share of a withdrawing co-owner in cases of property division, with the value determined by a court-appointed expert. The ministry affirmed that the changes conform to Islamic Sharia principles, supported by a fatwa from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs that ensures the protection of family stability without infringing on inheritance rights.
On plans to update Kuwait’s civil enforcement system, Al-Sumait emphasized balancing creditors’ legal rights with humanitarian concerns for debtors. He indicated that the ministry is exploring a comprehensive civil enforcement law to streamline procedures and enhance fairness, in consultation with enforcement authorities.
The ministry affirmed its commitment to advancing legislative reforms, enhancing judicial efficiency, and establishing a legal framework responsive to contemporary challenges while safeguarding individual rights and social stability.