Kuwait Introduces New Draft Law to Regulate and Boost Tourism
The Ministry of Information, responsible for overseeing and promoting tourism in Kuwait, has drafted a new law aimed at regulating and advancing the tourism sector. The proposed legislation, developed in coordination with relevant authorities, is designed to support the country’s tourism industry by encouraging investment, fostering growth, and streamlining tourism-related activities.
The ministry has requested relevant entities to review the draft law and submit their comments and suggestions within 10 days. Once the review process is complete, the final version will be presented to the Council of Ministers for approval.
The draft law consists of 38 articles, focusing on key areas such as promoting entertainment projects, enhancing domestic tourism, and attracting international visitors. One of its main provisions is the revision of the Foreigners’ Residence Law to include tourist visa permits, facilitating smoother entry processes. The law also calls for collaboration with the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs to develop comprehensive tourism policies and strategies.
A significant aspect of the proposed legislation is its emphasis on economic growth. It aims to generate new job opportunities, increase income sources, and encourage both national and foreign investments. By modernizing the tourism framework, the law seeks to attract global companies to invest in Kuwait’s tourism sector without requiring a local agent.
Additionally, the draft law outlines measures for developing diverse tourism products by utilizing Kuwait’s geographic assets, including islands and beaches, to enhance visitor attractions. It proposes a structured approach to tourism promotion, marketing Kuwaiti tourism products internationally, and boosting the country’s appeal as a travel destination.
Under the law, a license from the Ministry of Information will be required to establish, manage, or operate hotels, tourism facilities, and related activities. It also introduces a classification system for hotels and tourism establishments based on international standards. This system will regulate accommodation, entertainment, transportation, and car rentals, ensuring quality services and compliance with industry benchmarks.
The proposed legislation mandates that hotel establishments obtain a classification certificate before renewing their licenses. The classification will be reviewed annually in January, allowing establishments to request reassessment based on set procedures.
In terms of land use, the law regulates state-allocated lands for tourism development, ensuring compliance with existing property laws. It also introduces an annual plan for hosting festivals, exhibitions, and conferences, aiming to enhance Kuwait’s tourism appeal and generate economic, cultural, and social benefits.
To safeguard tourist sites and activities, the Ministry of Information, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, will implement mechanisms to prevent encroachments and handle complaints related to tourism violations. Additionally, the law proposes a system for issuing temporary permits for tourism-related events, with fees ranging from 50 to 500 dinars.
The minister responsible for tourism will establish guidelines for managing and investing in tourist destinations, ensuring that development projects do not negatively impact protected tourism sites. The law also defines administrative penalties for non-compliance, with violations being handled according to set regulations.
The Ministry of Information will oversee the implementation of tourism policies and strategies, ensuring that tourism assets are developed sustainably while aligning with Kuwait’s broader economic vision. By introducing this draft law, Kuwait aims to create a dynamic and well-regulated tourism sector that attracts investment, enhances visitor experiences, and strengthens the country's position as a regional tourism hub.
