AGP Executive Report

E-commerce Regulation: Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued Ministerial Resolution No. 109 of 2026 to license and regulate intermediary electronic platforms, set clear rules on fees, returns, complaints, data protection and transaction records, aiming to boost consumer protection and market transparency. Inflation Watch: Kuwait’s CPI rose 2.19% year-on-year in June, driven mainly by higher food, transport, healthcare, clothing, education and miscellaneous goods/services. Urban Cleanliness: Kuwait Municipality renewed its “Kuwait is More Beautiful Without Encroachments” push, removing illegal structures on state land and targeting sidewalk diwaniyas and setback violations. Construction Waste Enforcement: The Environment Public Authority warned demolition and contractors against dumping waste on roads or sidewalks, citing Environmental Protection Law penalties up to KD 500 and urging use of designated disposal sites. Energy Services Upgrade: Kuwait’s Oil Ministry highlighted the Q8-branded modernization of local fuel stations, including digital systems and improved customer services. Regional Energy Security Shock: The Iran-US escalation kept Kuwait in the spotlight as U.S. forces carried out a 10th straight night of strikes on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran retaliated with attacks affecting Kuwait’s power and water infrastructure; oil prices stayed volatile above $90 as shipping risks spread.

Gulf Security & Infrastructure: The US carried out a ninth straight night of strikes on Iran as Kuwait reported intercepting hostile drones and Iran claimed attacks on US-linked sites, while Kuwait said Iranian strikes damaged power and water facilities, sparking fires and raising fresh concerns for summer electricity and desalination reliability. Shipping & Energy Markets: Escalation around the Strait of Hormuz kept oil under pressure, with Brent pushing above $90 a barrel as tankers and commercial traffic faced disruption and both sides traded warnings and retaliatory moves. Military Casualties: The US said another service member was killed in Iraq during a controlled detonation of a downed Iranian drone, bringing the reported US death toll in the renewed campaign to 17, after earlier fatalities in Jordan. Payments & Fintech (Kuwait): QIIB and Visa announced a strategic collaboration to support QIIB’s payments growth in Kuwait, focusing on data-led portfolio management, targeted customer campaigns, and spend migration.

Kuwait Under Fire: Kuwait says Iran hit power generation and water desalination facilities again, sparking fires and “extensive damage,” while Kuwait’s air defences intercepted hostile ballistic missiles and drones in its airspace; the Defence Ministry warned of continued attacks on civilian and vital installations. Regional Escalation: The US reported an eighth straight night of strikes on Iran after two US service members were killed in Jordan and another remained missing, as Iran fired missiles toward Jordan and the wider Gulf stayed on high alert. Strait of Hormuz Pressure: With an interim ceasefire collapsing and shipping largely stalled, the US and Iran traded blows tied to control of the Strait of Hormuz, raising risks for energy flows and regional stability. Market Spillover: Gold ended the week with a second straight weekly decline amid US-Iran tensions and higher energy prices, while oil benchmarks jumped on renewed hostilities. EU-GCC Condemnation: The GCC and EU jointly condemned Iranian attacks targeting Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Oman and Jordan and warned that freedom of navigation through Hormuz must be upheld. Local Disruption: A technical fault caused a limited power outage in Kuwait’s Hittin area, with emergency teams working to restore supply.

Kuwait Food Safety Crackdown: Kuwait’s General Authority for Food and Nutrition seized 3.2 tons of rotten fish at the waterfront market, citing spoilage signs like foul odor and color changes, then ordered the items destroyed. Industrial Compliance Push: The Public Authority for Industry urged occupants of industrial plot setbacks to vacate and remove unauthorized assets after a Cabinet resolution assigned Kuwait Municipality temporary storage permits and enforcement under safety law. Gulf Security Shockwaves: Kuwait activated air defenses after renewed Iranian missile/drone threats amid the US-Iran escalation, with sirens also reported in Bahrain and Kuwait warning civilians to follow safety guidance. Energy Market Pressure: Oil jumped more than 4% as US-Iran strikes targeted infrastructure and shipping fears grew, with Strait of Hormuz traffic slowing and analysts warning prices may stay elevated. Regional Diplomacy: The GCC and EU condemned Iran’s attacks on commercial shipping through Hormuz and on Bahrain and Kuwait, reaffirming freedom of navigation. Finance Spotlight: National Investments Company (NIC) won Euromoney’s Kuwait equity banking award for 2026, marking a third straight year of recognition.

Gulf Energy Shock: Kuwait says Iranian missile and drone attacks hit vital power, water desalination and oil facilities, sparking fires and injuring firefighters and oil workers; Kuwait also reported airspace closures and airport disruption as air defences intercepted incoming threats. Water Security Under Fire: Kuwait’s foreign ministry condemned the “systematic” targeting of civilian infrastructure, while reports from Iran said a desalination plant strike left about 10,000 people in southern villages without drinking water. US-Iran Escalation Toll: The US confirmed two service members killed and one missing after an Iranian attack on a Jordan base, as Iran’s supreme leader warned of “unforgettable lessons” and said the US president’s signature is “worthless.” Diplomatic Breakdown: Iran says it has suspended commitments under the interim Islamabad MoU, blaming US violations, while the US issued a worldwide travel warning amid rising regional risk. Budget Pressure Watch: Kuwait budget coverage highlights the search for the fiscal breakeven oil price as Brent pushes near $89 amid Strait of Hormuz fears. Heat & Compliance: Kuwait’s manpower authority reported zero violations in a midday outdoor work ban, with 356 site visits confirming enforcement. Finance Recognition: NIC was named Euromoney’s Best Investment Bank in Kuwait for Equity Capital Markets, and NBK received five Euromoney awards including Best Bank and ESG.

Critical Infrastructure Under Fire: Kuwait’s Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Ministry says an Iranian attack sparked a fire at a power generation and water desalination plant component, prompting precautionary shutdowns of some generating units and emergency response teams working to keep the grid stable. Second Hit in Days: The ministry also reported a similar strike on Friday that damaged electricity generation units and triggered another fire, with authorities urging residents to conserve power during peak hours (11am–5pm). Water Security Worry: Kuwait relies heavily on desalination for drinking water, so repeated damage to desalination capacity raises immediate operational and supply concerns. Air Travel Disrupted: Kuwait International Airport operations were temporarily suspended after missile/drone attacks, and Kuwait Airways rescheduled most flights. Regional Escalation: The incidents come as the US and Iran trade strikes for a seventh straight night, with Kuwait reporting intercepted hostile missiles and drones and fears growing of wider Gulf spillover.

Kuwait Infrastructure Under Fire: Iran’s strikes hit Kuwait’s power generation and water desalination plant, sparking a fire and damaging multiple electricity generation units; the Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Minister later inspected the site and said emergency response and recovery are under way. US-Iran Escalation: The US continued a seventh straight night of strikes on Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and a port surveillance tower at Chah Bahar, while Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on US-linked bases across the region, including Kuwait and Bahrain. Regional Security Shock: Kuwait reported drone and missile activity and said air defences intercepted hostile targets; Bahrain and Jordan also reported interceptions as Gulf states condemned the attacks. Energy and Water Risk: With Kuwait relying heavily on desalination, the damage raised concerns about drinking-water vulnerability and wider disruption fears as Strait of Hormuz shipping slowed. Defense-for-Energy Talks: Pakistan and Kuwait are discussing an expanded defense agreement tied to energy cooperation, with Kuwait seeking broader military support while Pakistan looks for stronger energy-security arrangements. Markets Hit by Uncertainty: Oil prices jumped on escalation fears, while global stocks—especially chipmakers—came under renewed pressure.

Middle East Escalation Hits Kuwait’s Utilities: Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy said an Iranian attack damaged a power generation and water desalination plant, sparking a fire and impairing multiple units; fire crews contained the blaze and engineers are working to restore service, while authorities urged electricity rationing. Strikes Across the Gulf: The wider US-Iran exchange intensified for a sixth night, with reports of US strikes hitting bridges and port infrastructure in Iran and Iran firing missiles and drones at US-linked sites in Kuwait and Bahrain, alongside warnings that infrastructure attacks could broaden the conflict. Energy and Shipping Pressure: With the Strait of Hormuz under strain and port operations disrupted, oil prices were set for a steep weekly rise as shipping traffic fell and markets priced in higher supply risk. Local Industry Impact Signals: Kuwait’s grid stability and desalination reliability are now central to industrial continuity, as any prolonged disruption could ripple through water-dependent services and manufacturing operations.

Kuwait Power Safety: Kuwait’s electricity minister visited Jahra Hospital to check on a Pakistani technician injured while repairing an overhead transmission line; officials said his condition is stable and urged strict adherence to safety procedures. Student Banking Push: Weyay Bank partnered with the Private Universities Council for the “Create Your Future” campaign at The Avenues, backing graduates with scholarship info and student-focused digital banking benefits. Kuwait in the Iran-US Crossfire: Iran’s IRGC and army claimed missile and drone strikes on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, while US forces said they boarded and redirected ships trying to breach the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Hormuz Disruption Risk: Markets and oil traders tracked renewed blockade enforcement and strike waves, with crude hovering near $80 as shipping traffic and insurance costs stayed under pressure. Regional Security Alerts: Kuwait said air defences intercepted hostile drones, as Bahrain and Jordan also reported interceptions amid escalating retaliation threats. Energy Market Watch: A Reuters-style backdrop pointed to deeper Gulf economic strain if Hormuz disruption persists, keeping investors focused on supply routes and policy moves.

Gulf Security Escalation: The US expanded strikes on Iran, hitting coastal defence, missile and drone capabilities and disabling a tanker accused of trying to breach the naval blockade, as Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on US-linked bases in Kuwait and Bahrain (including claims against Ali Al Salem and Fifth Fleet sites) and warned the Strait of Hormuz is a “red line.” Shipping & Energy Risk: With Hormuz tensions deepening and Iran threatening wider energy export shutdowns, regulators and airlines are urging caution; EASA advised European carriers to avoid parts of the Gulf airspace, while India ordered shipowners not to deploy Indian seafarers through Hormuz. Kuwait Defence & Industry Angle: Iran’s attacks and Kuwait’s air-defence posture are again in focus, alongside fresh US-Kuwait military support moves, including a reported $484m Kuwait sustainment package for C-17s. Aviation Payments: Kuwait Airways partnered with Deema to offer fee-free four-installment ticket payments from Aug 1, supporting the airline’s digital push. Markets: Regional stocks slid on tech weakness and the Iran-driven oil backdrop, while oil steadied after the latest strike wave.

Gulf Security Shock: Iran’s IRGC and army launched missile and drone strikes on U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain after U.S. airstrikes across Iran, targeting sites including Arifjan and Ali al-Salem in Kuwait and Juffair and Sheikh Isa bases in Bahrain; Iran also warned the Strait of Hormuz would stay closed unless Washington ends its “acts of aggression,” while threatening wider energy-export route shutdowns. Strait of Hormuz Escalation: The U.S. resumed daytime waves of strikes aimed at degrading Iranian coastal defenses and missile capabilities, including a 90-minute operation hitting Greater Tunb island, as the U.S. reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and turned back commercial vessels. Energy Market Pressure: Oil prices extended gains amid renewed shipping risk, with Brent pushing above $85 and analysts flagging potential supply shocks if chokepoints tighten further. Kuwait Telecom Upgrade: Zain Kuwait unveiled a whole-home connectivity package combining its Outdoor 5G CPE with eero Pro 7 mesh Wi‑Fi 7 for stronger indoor coverage in larger homes and new areas. Energy Transition Push: KCCI urged deeper private-sector participation in Kuwait’s energy transition, focusing on supply chains, regulation, investment conditions, and stronger public-private partnerships to support carbon neutrality by 2060. Lebanon Agri Recovery Watch: Lebanon’s farmers face slow recovery from conflict damage, with agriculture and food industries hit hard and hopes boosted by resumed Saudi imports.

US-Iran Escalation in Kuwait: Iran’s IRGC and army claimed missile and drone strikes on U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, naming Arifjan and Ali al-Salem in Kuwait and Fifth Fleet-linked sites in Bahrain, as Kuwait reported air defenses engaging hostile drones and missiles and shrapnel damaging power lines. Hormuz Pressure on Industry: The U.S. reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and kept striking near the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran warned the strait would stay closed until “acts of aggression” stop and threatened wider export-route disruption—raising fresh risk for Gulf shipping and energy flows. Energy Markets React: Oil prices extended gains amid the renewed blockade and strike cycle, with Brent pushing toward the mid-$80s as traders priced in potential supply shocks. Kuwait Aviation Update: Kuwait International Airport reopened for scheduled operations, with Kuwait Airways using Terminal 4 and Jazeera Terminal 5, while Terminal 1 remains shut for repairs. Regional Energy Alternatives: The U.S. backed efforts to revive an Iraq-Syria oil pipeline to reduce reliance on Hormuz, signaling continued push for bypass routes.

Strait of Hormuz Shock: US President Donald Trump reversed a proposed 20% transit fee, saying Gulf states will instead pursue trade and investment deals with Washington, while the US still moves to a “FULL Blockade” focused on Iranian ports and Iranian cargo. Escalation Watch: The US reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and launched fresh strikes to degrade Iran’s ability to target commercial shipping, as Iran retaliated with attacks across the region. Kuwait Security: Kuwait reported intercepting hostile missiles and drones, with shrapnel fallout damaging areas and injuries reported after a naval vessel was targeted. Maritime Risk: Multiple tanker attacks near the Strait of Hormuz and incidents off Oman raised fears for shipping continuity and energy flows. Local Commerce Rules: Kuwait issued new e-commerce delivery regulations capping delivery fees at KD 1 and limiting app commissions to 10% and 17%, aiming to protect consumers and curb platform imbalance. Aviation Payments: Kuwait Airways launched an interest-free installment option for ticket purchases in four equal payments starting Aug 1. Innovation Push: Zain Kuwait and SACGC kicked off the Innovation Nation Summer Camp for young innovators. Consumer Protection: Kuwait authorities seized 3,800 counterfeit clothing and footwear items in warehouse raids.

Strait of Hormuz Shockwaves: The U.S. launched a third straight night of strikes on Iran, with CENTCOM saying missions hit coastal defense, missile/drone sites and maritime capabilities around Bushehr, Bandar Abbas and other key areas, while Trump said the U.S. will reimpose a blockade on Iranian ports and charge a 20% fee for cargo transiting the strait. Kuwait Security & Diplomacy: Kuwait condemned Iran’s attack on two Emirati oil tankers while transiting Hormuz, calling it a breach of international law and pledging solidarity with the UAE; Kuwait also reported intercepts and airspace incidents as the Gulf conflict spilled over. Energy Markets: Oil jumped to around $85 a barrel as shipping risk and Hormuz disruption fears returned, with crude futures rising on renewed supply concerns. Regional Shipping Disruption: Tracking reports said some tankers kept moving with transponders off amid “dark” transits, while a Canadian operator said departures are delayed by mine-risk and shifting U.S. guidance. Local Business & Infrastructure: CSCEC won a CAPT tender to build a 55-storey Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority headquarters in Sharq, and Kuwait also moved on defense procurement for Al Dorra missile boats. Cyber & Industry Tech: AmiViz partnered with Cyberhaven to distribute an AI/data security platform across Kuwait and the wider region.

Gulf Security & Shipping: US-Iran tensions spiked again as Washington reinstated a blockade on Iranian shipping and said the Strait of Hormuz will stay open “for a fee,” proposing a 20% cargo toll while Iran insists the strait is closed and warns the US will not manage it. Regional Fallout in Kuwait: Kuwait issued alerts and said it was engaging hostile aerial targets after Iran’s IRGC claimed strikes on US-linked facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain, with Bahrain also sounding sirens. Energy Markets: Oil jumped toward/above $80 as fears of longer disruption returned; tanker traffic reportedly fell and shipping uncertainty hit commercial routes. International Pushback: The UN’s maritime body said there is “no legal basis” for mandatory tolls on international straits, adding pressure on the US plan. Kuwait Industry & Infrastructure: Kuwait Municipality approved KNPC’s land consolidation in Subhan Industrial Area and backed a new road link from IC3 interchange to Al-Mutlaa City. Utilities & Sustainability: The Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy ministry expanded its “Waffer” conservation campaign via a media partnership to boost efficient power and water use. Food Services: talabat Kuwait added KGCA as an official training partner for its talabat grow bootcamp, focusing on restaurant performance and operations.

Gulf Shipping Shock: The Strait of Hormuz is again at the center of the US-Iran standoff after Iran said a warning shot hit a container ship on an “unauthorized route,” while the US Central Command launched a third wave of strikes to “degrade” Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping; Iran then declared the strait closed “until further notice,” but the US insisted traffic continues. Kuwait on Alert: Kuwait reported confronting hostile aerial targets inside Kuwaiti airspace, with air-defense interceptions blamed for explosions and shrapnel damaging power lines. Regional Retaliation: Iran’s IRGC and army claimed missile and drone attacks on US-linked bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, alongside strikes elsewhere across the Gulf, as sirens and interceptions were reported in multiple countries. Oil and Markets: Brent jumped more than 3–4% as shipping slowed to a five-week low, reviving fears of supply disruption and adding pressure to regional risk sentiment. Industry Watch: Kuwait also saw defense procurement news—its first reported purchase of Rheinmetall’s MASS decoy launchers—highlighting continued investment in protection systems.