Ambitious technology firms in the United Kingdom (UK) would be well advised to forge stronger trade links with Kuwait.
The Middle Eastern nation has a supportive investment climate and pre-existing ties with the UK, making it easy for tech firms to establish roots in the region.
A Bold National Vision, Rooted in Diversification
Kuwait wants to transform its oil-focused economy into a boisterous global commercial centre, mapping out plans to achieve those goals under the National Vision 2035 mandate.
The government has invested more than $100 billion on development projects to bring this vision to fruition.
The scheme includes a diversified economy, cutting-edge infrastructure, sustainable living, human capital development and a global reputation. These are areas where the UK shines.
The UK leads globally in information and communications technology, healthcare innovation, education platforms and renewable energy. UK firms can help Kuwait achieve their vision.
Kuwait’s Digital Ambitions and the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Director General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA), Sheikh Dr Meshaal Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah, believes the country will be at the vanguard of the fourth revolution.
This revolution is a merger of digital, biological and physical technologies.
Kuwait began its digital pivot because of the lasting damage of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was the spark they needed to stop planning and start taking actionable steps.
They have since been on a mission to eliminate the conventional methods for more tech-oriented alternatives.
UK firms in cloud infrastructure, fintech, cybersecurity, smart logistics and government digital services can seize this opportunity to enter a welcoming market.
Tapping Into the iGaming Market
Kuwait remains married to its conservative values, but UK tech firms will be waiting to assist if the country ever overturns its decision to prohibit the iGaming industry.
The UK has established comprehensive gambling rules, and Kuwait could utilise their expertise to establish their own regulatory framework.
Several countries elsewhere in the world have used the UK’s legislative set-up as template for creating a vibrant gambling industry in their borders.
These include Chile, where the websites featured on comparison platform Acee.cl operate under a system which was formulated around elements originally tested in the UK.
Allowing companies with experience of the UK market to influence the creation of a formal licensing infrastructure in Kuwait would be economically beneficial for both sides of the equation.
A Business Environment Ripe for Foreign Investment
Kuwait has also implemented pro-investment changes throughout the economy through the KDIPA, encouraging foreigners to invest their funds.
The Middle Eastern country now allows total foreign ownership across several sectors and offers tax holidays of up to ten years. The results are telling. KDIPA has attracted over $3 billion in foreign investment in ICT, healthcare and renewable energy.
The World Bank also ranked Kuwait among the top ten global improvers, using an ease-of-doing-business index. This is brilliant news for UK technology companies wary of constantly navigating regulatory landmines and administrative bottlenecks.
Kuwait has opened the door for business, and the country is doing all it can to ensure those enterprises thrive.
Human Capital and a Knowledge-Based Economy
One of the key aspects that will determine long-term success for Kuwait is the development of human capital. Kuwaiti citizens need to be ready for a modern, digital world.
Kuwait wants to become a knowledge-based economy and has invested heavily in educating and developing the workforce.
Over 230,000 Kuwaiti citizens will enter the private sector over the next 15 years. They need tech training, digital literacy and skills development. UK training firms can play a pivotal role.
Kuwait is becoming more progressive regarding gender inclusion and other aspects of life. Women make up 57% of the civil service workforce, creating a progressive environment that falls in line with UK values and corporate ethos.
A Longstanding UK-Kuwait Relationship
The UK and Kuwait share a diplomatic and economic history. A UK-Kuwaiti steering committee was formed after Emir Sheikh Sabah visited Britain in January 2025.
The Gulf nation established the Kuwait Investment Office (KIO) in London 70 years ago, becoming the first sovereign wealth fund office. Kuwait has since invested in UK infrastructure, real estate and financial services.
UK Minister of State for Business and Trade Lord Dominic Johnson is a proponent of expanding into green tech partnerships with Kuwait, as the governments look to strengthen their economic ties.
Meanwhile, talks continue over the UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement, which is expected to clarify crucial areas such as information security, data transfers and personnel mobility.
These elements are vital for tech companies operating cross-border.