Kuwait Country Report

Kuwait is a small country located on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula. It borders both Iraq and Saudi Arabia at the northern end of the Persian Gulf, where it is a major oil exporter. The government is trying to implement an austerity budget aimed at reducing state subsidies on fuel and energy to reduce Kuwait's budget deficit. Demonstrations require advance approval of the government and are relatively rare. Most demonstrations are related to political developments or Kuwait's Bidoon (stateless) community, but seldom devolve into violence.

Most visits to Kuwait are trouble-free. However, there is an underlying threat from transnational terrorist groups, who continue to threaten to carry out attacks against Western interests in the region.

Crime is not a major concern for travelers who follow the usual precautions, with petty theft such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching being the main threat. Violent crime is rare, although there have been reports of occasional incidents involving firearms. Incidents of sexual harassment or sexual assault against Western women have been reported on occasion.

Although road conditions are of a high standard, traffic collisions occur with some frequency due to poor driving standards among some local motorists. Sandstorms and fog can affect air travel and result in delays and cancelations. Medical care is of a high standard.

The security environment in Kuwait is relatively stable. However, there is an underlying threat of terrorism, particularly directed at Western interests in the country, and a number of regional and transnational groups such as the Islamic State (IS) have threatened Kuwait in the past. The last major terror act occurred at Imam Sadiq mosque in the Al Sawabir area of Kuwait City in mid-2015.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has resulted in heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. The conflict in Israel is unlikely to impact Kuwait directly. However, Iran-backed proxy groups, particularly in Iraq, have threatened to carry out attacks against US military bases in the country. Additionally, Yemen's Al-Houthis involvement in the conflict in Israel could jeopardize the fragile geopolitical status quo in the Gulf.

Petty crime, such as bag-snatching and pickpocketing, is rare, though it has been reported around markets and hotels. However, violent crime is not a significant concern. Demonstrations require advance approval of the government and are relatively rare. Most demonstrations are related to political developments or Kuwait's Bidoon (stateless) community but seldom devolve into violence. Kuwait does not face any immediate threat of external conflict.

Air travel is safe and in compliance with international safety standards.

Despite the fact that Kuwait's road system is modern and well maintained, driving in the country can be hazardous due to poor driving standards by some local motorists.

The ports are considered efficient in Kuwait.

Access to utilities is excellent and comparable to other developed countries. However, exceptionally high temperatures bring an elevated risk of power outages during the summer.

Cyber-criminals have been known to target both organizations and individuals in Kuwait.

Kuwait has an arid desert climate which results in extreme temperatures during the summer months between March and November, although the torrid heat is often considered more tolerable than in some other countries in the region. Sand and dust storms can severely disrupt air travel. Heavy rain can also trigger flash flooding and disrupt travel. Small earthquakes occasionally occur but generally cause no injuries or damage. Although no official statistics are available, it is estimated that dozens of civilians have been killed or wounded by unexploded ordnance (UXO) in remote areas, particularly near the border with Iraq. Kuwait city is one of the most polluted in the world and suffers from very poor air quality.

Healthcare in Kuwait is of a high standard and comparable to Western countries. Cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have been reported in Kuwait. Most common medications are available in the country and some hospitals have 24-hour pharmacies. Tranquilizers, anti-depressants and sleeping pills may be difficult to obtain in Kuwait.

Kuwait's political system is fractious, and near-constant hostility between the executive and the elected legislature has contributed to long-term government instability. The National Assembly has an unusual amount of power relative to its counterparts in other Persian Gulf states. Members of the National Assembly routinely submit motions to question cabinet members, including the Prime Minister. In recent years, tribal blocs and Islamist forces have grown in strength, in parallel with a broad weakening of support for the government. Public opinion is increasingly unhappy with the status quo. Inflation, rising unemployment, and decaying infrastructure have led many Kuwaitis to question the government's legitimacy and ability to govern effectively.

Corruption and "wasta" are an obstacle to business in Kuwait. The ruling family and elite control key economic activities and sectors. Local laws reflect the fact that Kuwait is an Islamic country. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties, including fines, and capital punishment for serious offenses.