Articles & Analysis | Facts for visitors: Useful tips for business and leisure travellers from The Report: Kuwait 2013
ETIQUETTE: Kuwait is a relatively conservative Muslim country. Islam is the official religion of Kuwait, with 57% of the population being Arab. The population is around 2.5m, including 1m non-nationals. It is customary to exchange handshakes when introducing yourself, but when introducing yourself to...
Articles & Analysis | Striking a balance: Creating benefits for foreign investors and the local economy alike from The Report: Kuwait 2013
set swapping. The NOC offers contractors three main investment options: an NOC pre-approved offset project; a project proposed by the contractor with NOC post-approval; or participation in offset funds developed or approved by the NOC. There is variation in the type of offset projects that the NOC can accept as proposals or propose itself, including joint ventures, greenfield...
Articles & Analysis | Secured for the future: Sovereign funds provide a safeguard and aid diversification from The Report: Kuwait 2013
Like many countries fortunate enough to post regular budget surpluses, Kuwait has sought to put its excess liquidity to work in international markets. According to the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) Institute, the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) represents the sixth-largest SWF in the world. Furthermore, although it has a broad mandate to invest both...
Articles & Analysis | Private gains: Understanding the political landscape for privatisation from The Report: Kuwait 2013
The potential benefits a privatisation strategy offers to Kuwait are similar to those experienced in other jurisdictions, especially the possibility of increased foreign direct investment (FDI), the potential to reduce public spending and greater tax revenues. Other significant advantages include improved sector efficiency, encouraging Kuwaiti...
Articles & Analysis | Open hands: Iraq and Kuwait reach out to forge a new relationship from The Report: Kuwait 2013
A landmark flight from Baghdad that touched down in February 2013 at Kuwait International Airport looks set to usher in a new era of stronger economic ties between the two Gulf neighbours. The resumption of direct air travel between Iraq's capital and Kuwait, which is building on a steadily rising flow of traffic between the two countries, is good...