Kuwait Roundup: New arbitration law advances, Canada investment ties deepen and Hormuz security dominates talks

Cabinet approves draft law to overhaul Kuwait's arbitration system

Kuwait's Cabinet has approved a draft decree-law establishing a new Arbitration Law, describing arbitration as an important part of effective justice and a way to strengthen confidence in the country's business environment. The Cabinet approved the draft during its meeting on September 16, chaired by Acting Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, and submitted it to Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The proposed law is designed as a comprehensive, standalone framework based partly on established international arbitration practices while retaining features of Kuwait's legal system. It seeks to speed up dispute resolution through clearer time limits and streamlined procedures while preserving the ability of parties to choose how arbitration is conducted. It also sets rules for arbitration involving government contracts and limits arbitrators' liability. For investors, the government says the framework should provide more predictable and faster mechanisms for resolving disputes, while allowing limited avenues for challenging arbitration decisions. The Cabinet also reviewed the Sahel government-services application, covering January 1 to August 31. Officials examined usage statistics and the digital-service “journeys” being introduced to connect government agencies, simplify procedures and accelerate transactions for citizens and residents.

Kuwait Investment Authority and Mark Carney discuss expanding investment ties

The head of the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) has held talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as Kuwait considers opportunities to deepen its longstanding investment relationship with Canada. KIA Managing Director Sheikh Saoud Salem Abdulaziz Al-Sabah met Carney on the sidelines of the first Canada Investment Summit in Toronto, held on September 14 and 15. Their discussions focused on joint investment opportunities and strengthening strategic economic ties. Sheikh Saoud also met Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, senior executives from Canadian pension funds and representatives of major financial institutions. Those meetings covered the global investment environment, Canada's economic outlook and potential areas for new partnerships. KIA said it has been investing in Canada for more than 25 years. The summit itself brought together investors from nearly 30 countries managing more than $100 trillion in assets, as Carney's government seeks to attract large amounts of new international capital into Canadian energy, infrastructure, technology and other projects. KIA said its participation reflected its strategy of maintaining relationships with governments, financial institutions and international partners while identifying long-term investment opportunities around the world.

Kuwait and Austria put Strait of Hormuz security on diplomatic agenda

Kuwait and Austria have discussed maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz as disruption around the crucial waterway remains a major international concern. Kuwait's Ambassador to Austria Fawaz Boursli met Austrian Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Nikolaus Marschik in Vienna on September 16, with the two officials discussing bilateral cooperation and regional developments. According to Kuwait's embassy, talks focused particularly on maintaining stability and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is strategically important because it connects the Gulf with the Arabian Sea and is one of the world's most important routes for oil and gas exports. Regional conflict and disruption to shipping in 2026 have therefore pushed its security higher on the diplomatic agenda. Boursli and Marschik also discussed preparations for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. They stressed the importance of continued diplomatic coordination between Kuwait and Austria on major international issues. The discussions come as Kuwait continues to emphasise diplomacy and maritime stability amid heightened regional tensions affecting Gulf energy and shipping routes.

Kuwait showcases mangrove restoration project at Oman Climate Week

Kuwait has presented its efforts to restore mangroves along its coastline at Oman Climate Week 2026, highlighting the project as a tool for biodiversity recovery and climate adaptation. The Environment Public Authority presented the initiative at a regional climate-modelling workshop in Muscat organised with the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). Senior biologist Asma Al-Haddad said the project has been implemented by the authority's Biodiversity Conservation Department with other Gulf Cooperation Council countries since 2018. Seeds of Avicennia marina, a mangrove species that can tolerate highly saline coastal conditions, are first acclimatised in EPA laboratories before being planted at the Jahra Nature Reserve. Thousands of seeds have been imported from GCC countries, including Oman. Mangroves once grew in Kuwait's Khuwaisat area during the 1940s before disappearing. The current programme seeks to restore some of that coastal vegetation and the ecosystems it supports. Al-Haddad said mangroves can increase biodiversity by supporting crustaceans and nesting birds while also providing a natural barrier against dust, high waves and soil erosion. The workshop brought together 50 participants from 15 Arab and other countries, allowing governments and environmental specialists to exchange experience on climate adaptation and coastal protection.

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Fire Force closes 24 businesses in Farwaniya over safety violations

The Kuwait Fire Force has administratively closed 24 businesses in Farwaniya Governorate following an inspection campaign targeting breaches of fire and safety regulations. The operation was carried out on the evening of September 16 by Farwaniya's Prevention Department. In addition to the 24 closures, inspectors issued 57 notices and five closure warnings. The Fire Force said the campaign was intended to strengthen field inspections, ensure businesses comply with safety requirements and identify premises operating in violation of regulations. Facilities found to be non-compliant faced legal measures depending on the seriousness of the violations. The campaign focused particularly on Farwaniya's industrial areas, where authorities say stronger oversight is needed to reduce safety violations and improve organisation. The Fire Force said the inspections form part of continuing enforcement rather than a one-off operation, with authorities seeking to raise compliance and reduce risks to workers, customers and surrounding properties.