Kuwait’s political course is creating a stable, low-risk environment for foreign investors, Al Rai News reported on January 21, citing the energy minister.

Subaih Al-Mukhizeem said, “The sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, that global uncertainty and volatility are far removed from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, particularly Kuwait.”

“Kuwait’s participation in the World Economic Forum provides an important opportunity to present our economic vision on a major international platform,” he said, adding that the country is keen to strengthen strategic partnerships with other nations in ways that serve mutual interests and support growth and economic diversification.

Bureaucratic hurdles, limited non‑oil sector reforms, and public‑sector dominance deter investors, despite KDIPA approving $725mn in new licences for FY 2024–25 across 16 sectors.

Al-Mukhizeem noted he was attending the forum alongside the minister of commerce and industry in line with directives from Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to accelerate the implementation of approved plans aimed at achieving economic development.

He added that meetings held on the sidelines of the forum addressed a range of priority issues, including reforms in housing and private residential development, public debt and broader economic reforms. These discussions also covered efforts to boost non-oil revenues and advance diversification plans to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons.

Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel said Kuwait's participation demonstrates the country's commitment to international dialogue on global economic challenges.

He told KUNA that Kuwait seeks to present its economic priorities, develop public-private partnerships, and draw on international expertise to advance economic diversification and digital transformation.

Al-Ajeel said Kuwait attended as part of a unified Gulf delegation, describing GCC states as among the world's most stable economic blocs. "The goal is to shape international economic debates, enhance strategic partnerships, and consolidate the GCC's role as a key partner in supporting global growth and sustainable development," he said.

Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, Minister of Finance, and Acting Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem told investors that Kuwait's political stability creates a secure environment. "The current state of ambiguity and uncertainty in the world is far removed from the GCC countries, especially Kuwait," he told KUNA.

The WEF annual meeting in Switzerland runs under the theme "Spirit of Dialogue" and draws over 3,000 participants from more than 130 countries, including roughly 400 heads of state and government officials.

The comments come as Kuwait steps up engagement with international investors and policymakers, seeking to position itself as a stable destination for capital amid heightened global economic uncertainty.

Kuwait’s foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows plummeted to just $614mn in 2024, down from a 2023 peak of $2.1bn, placing it far behind regional heavyweights like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which together captured over 80% of GCC FDI projects and billions more in capital amid aggressive diversification drives, the Bank of Scotland previously noted.