The Middle East

In spite of its relatively small population, Kuwait has all the makings of a thriving luxury retail market. With GDP per capita among the highest in the world, spending power is consequently very high. This increased ability to purchase goods, combined with a young population that views shopping as a popular leisure activity in its own right,...

Kuwait is set to witness significant demographic changes over the coming decades, with far-reaching consequences for the local pharmaceuticals industry. High birth rates and continued immigration mean that the population is increasing in absolute terms and is set to reach 4m by 2020 and 6.3m by 2050, according to estimates by the UN’s Economic...

Although the hypermarket format is nothing new for Kuwaiti retail, penetration remains relatively low by regional standards. According to A.T. Kearney’s latest retail report, the Kuwaiti groceries market is fragmented, with the top five retail groups accounting for just 10% of the market. Traditional retailers – cooperatives, local corner...

Health care needs in Kuwait are evolving rapidly in line with its changing economic and population profile. The government is looking to target resources more appropriately, and the private sector looks set to take on a greater role in health care provision.

As part of Kuwait’s efforts to expand and diversify its economy, the country has moved to invest in its infrastructure capacity, while a programme to boost oil production levels has stimulated growth in the petrochemical and construction segments. Alongside continued moves to improve the skills of the workforce, as well as to nurture small and...

A marked multiplicity of tastes and a strong appetite for luxury products underpin the thriving Kuwaiti retail sector. Given the country’s young and diverse demographic profile and its high level of purchasing power, the market – although relatively small due to the limited size of the population – is expected to continue to attract investment...