The Kuwait Cabinet has approved a draft law regulating unmanned and light aircraft, emphasizing safety and security in air navigation.
Kuwait City, Kuwait Aug 12, 2026 ALN: The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a draft decree-law regulating the use of unmanned aircraft, light sport aircraft, air sports, and related activities, and referred it to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for approval. The decision was taken during the Cabinet’s weekly meeting, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Following the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shareeda Al-Maousherji issued a statement outlining the proceedings.
The Cabinet stated that the proposed legislation establishes an integrated legal framework governing the registration, licensing, permits, and operation of unmanned and light aircraft, while setting out obligations, prohibited activities, and penalties for violations. It emphasized that the legislation is necessary due to the potential risks posed by unregulated use of such aircraft to air navigation, national security, public order, individual privacy, and the safety of people and property. Such use could also threaten airports, vital facilities, and restricted or prohibited areas.
The draft assigns the Public Authority of Civil Aviation the responsibility for overseeing implementation in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, security and military authorities, and other relevant government agencies. Comprising 44 articles in six chapters, the draft covers general provisions; the Public Authority of Civil Aviation; registration, licenses, and permits; obligations, prohibitions, and measures; penalties; and final provisions.
Kuwait Condemns Houthi Attacks
The Cabinet strongly condemned Houthi militia attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s Najran region on Tuesday, which struck civilian facilities and injured several civilians. It expressed Kuwait’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for all measures taken to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and stability. The Cabinet described the attacks as a blatant violation of Saudi sovereignty and territorial integrity and a breach of international law and international humanitarian law, warning that such escalation threatens regional security and stability. It stressed that the security of Saudi Arabia is an integral part of the security of Kuwait and the GCC states.
The Cabinet welcomed Kuwait’s support for a statement issued by UN Security Council members on Aug 7 condemning missile attacks launched by the Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia since July 13, as well as attacks on commercial vessels since July 22. It expressed appreciation for the statement’s emphasis on compliance with international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216, and respect for Yemen’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. The Cabinet renewed Kuwait’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for measures aimed at protecting its sovereignty and security. It also reaffirmed support for Yemen’s legitimate government and the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen to achieve peace, security, and stability.
The Cabinet also strongly condemned what it described as a “heinous” Iranian attack on an Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) tanker while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz last Saturday. It stated that the attack constituted a blatant violation of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and posed a direct threat to the security and safety of maritime navigation and global energy supplies. The Cabinet called for an immediate halt to all acts of escalation and compliance with international law guaranteeing freedom of navigation.
FM Briefs Cabinet
The Cabinet was briefed by Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on political and diplomatic efforts undertaken by the Foreign Ministry and Kuwait’s diplomatic missions abroad to follow regional and international developments. The minister briefed the Cabinet on the substance of recent telephone calls he made and received with foreign ministers from brotherly and friendly countries, during which they reviewed the latest regional developments.
Prophet’s Birthday Holiday
The Cabinet decided to suspend work at all ministries, government agencies, public authorities, and institutions on Thursday, Aug 27, 2026, as an official holiday marking the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday for 1448 AH. Official working hours will resume on Sunday, Aug 30. Entities operating under special working arrangements will determine their own holidays in coordination with the competent authorities, taking public interest into consideration.
Youth Development
Minister of State for Youth and Sports Dr. Tareq Al-Jalahma briefed the Cabinet on World Youth Day, observed Wednesday, Aug 12, pursuant to a UN General Assembly resolution adopted in 1999. He highlighted Kuwait’s strong focus on youth issues and its efforts to develop young people’s capabilities and support their initiatives, describing youth as the country’s true wealth. The occasion, he said, provides an opportunity to celebrate young people and recognize their contributions across social, economic, sporting, cultural, scientific, and artistic fields, as well as their innovations and pioneering solutions. The Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the youth sector, providing quality opportunities, empowering national talent, and strengthening young people’s leading role in sustainable development and future-building.
Fitch Affirms Kuwait’s AA- Rating
The Cabinet was also briefed by Finance Minister Dr. Yaqoub Al-Refai on Fitch Ratings’ report issued last Friday on Kuwait’s sovereign credit rating. The minister stated that Fitch affirmed Kuwait’s long-term sovereign rating at AA- with a stable outlook, reflecting the country’s exceptionally strong fiscal and external positions. Fitch expects continuing regional geopolitical instability to affect domestic economic growth amid changes in oil production.
Non-oil GDP, however, is expected to record positive growth, albeit at a slower pace, supported by government spending on infrastructure development projects. The agency also expects inflation to rise slightly in 2026 before declining in 2027. Regarding Kuwait’s external assets, Fitch affirmed that the country has an exceptionally strong net external financial position and expects sovereign net foreign assets as a percentage of GDP to rise in 2026 to more than 10 times the average level for countries rated AA.
Al-Refai noted that Fitch considers the potential impact of continued geopolitical instability to remain containable given Kuwait’s substantial financial buffers. The Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to financial reforms aimed at improving Kuwait’s credit rating across relevant international indicators. The Cabinet also reviewed several items on its agenda, along with reports and minutes of ministerial committees. It approved a number of items and referred others to the relevant committees for further study and recommendations before completing the necessary procedures.
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