Kuwait gives drones new ground rules - Aug 27 public holiday

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 11: Kuwait’s Cabinet approved a draft decree-law regulating the use of drones, unmanned aircraft, light sport aircraft and related activities, referring the draft decree-law to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for approval. The Cabinet said the legislation aims to establish an integrated legal framework governing registration, licensing, permits and operation of such aircraft, as well as obligations, prohibitions and penalties for violations. This came during the Cabinet’s weekly meeting Tuesday under the chairmanship of 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 Shereida Al-Maousherji stated its proceedings.

The Kuwaiti Cabinet strongly condemned Tuesday the Houthi militia attacks targeting the Najran region in Saudi Arabia, which hit civilian objects and injured several innocent civilians, stressing Kuwait’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for all measures it takes 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 undermines regional security and stability. It stressed that the security of Saudi Arabia is an integral part of the security of Kuwait and the GCC countries. In this context, the Cabinet welcomed Kuwait’s support for the statement issued by UN Security Council members on August 7, which condemned the 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 Kuwait’s appreciation for the statement’s emphasis on compliance with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, foremost among them 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 all measures it takes to preserve its sovereignty and security. It also reaffirmed Kuwait’s 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 in the country. The Cabinet also strongly condemned what it described as the “heinous” Iranian attack on an Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) tanker while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz last Saturday. It said 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 stressed the need for an immediate halt to all escalatory acts and compliance with international law guaranteeing freedom of navigation.

The Cabinet was also briefed by Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on the political and diplomatic efforts undertaken by the Foreign Ministry and Kuwait’s diplomatic missions abroad to keep pace with the latest regional and international developments. The minister briefed the Cabinet on the substance of phone calls he made and received in recent days with several foreign ministers from brotherly and friendly countries, during which they reviewed the latest regional developments. Meanwhile, the Cabinet decided to suspend work at all ministries, government bodies, public authorities and institutions on Thursday, August 27, 2026, as an official holiday marking the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday for 1448 AH. Official working hours will resume Sunday, August 30.

Agencies with special working arrangements will determine their own holidays in coordination with the competent authorities, taking into consideration the public interest. The Cabinet approved a draft decree-law regulating the use of unmanned aircraft, light sport aircraft, air sports and related activities. The Cabinet said the legislation is necessary because unregulated use of such aircraft could pose risks to air navigation safety, national security, public order, individual privacy and the safety of people and property, as well as potentially threaten airports, vital facilities and restricted or prohibited areas. The draft decree-law assigns the Directorate General of Civil Aviation responsibility for overseeing implementation in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, security and military authorities and other relevant government bodies.

The draft comprises 44 articles divided into six chapters covering general provisions; the Directorate General of Civil Aviation; registration, licenses and permits; obligations, prohibitions and measures; penalties; and final provisions. The Cabinet was also briefed by Finance Minister Dr. Yacoub Al-Refaei on Fitch Ratings’ report issued last Friday concerning Kuwait’s sovereign credit rating. The minister said Fitch affirmed Kuwait’s long-term sovereign rating at AA- with a stable outlook, noting that the rating reflects Kuwait’s exceptionally strong fiscal and external positions. Fitch expects current regional geopolitical instability to affect domestic economic growth amid changes in oil production, while non-oil GDP is expected to register 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.  (KUNA)