KUWAIT CITY, Dec 11: The ninth edition of the “Kuwait Commercial Law Forum 2025”, which was organized by Al-Yaqout & Al-Fawzan Law Group in collaboration with strategic partner LexisNexis Global, and supported by the Kuwait Lawyers Society and the Kuwait Real Estate Union, kicked off on Wednesday. It brought together a select group of experts, consultants, and investment companies from both inside and outside Kuwait. Khalifa Al-Yaqout, the Managing Partner at Al-Yaqout & Al- Fawzan Law Group, highlighted Kuwait’s commitment to adopting best legislative and economic practices.

He stressed the crucial role of a strong legal framework for the economy, insisting that no economy can thrive without laws that support businesspeople and investors, particularly those seeking to operate in Kuwait. In his opening speech, Al-Yaqout explained that the forum was initially conceived to analyze the Kuwaiti economic arena and achieve objectives such as enabling Kuwaiti companies to operate in a supportive economic environment, while ensuring that legal and economic professionals have the expertise and knowledge to navigate the system effectively. The session focused on discussing the Real Estate Developer Law, which is one of the most essential laws Kuwait currently needs. It aims to meet citizens’ needs and keep pace with global technological advancements, including Artificial Intelligence regulations, which are underdeveloped in law firms, legal consultancies, real estate companies, and across the economic, financial, and business sectors. Al-Yaqout said, “Culture cannot stand still. It requires cooperation and concerted efforts through collective work.” He highlighted the organizers’ keenness to bring together economists, legal professionals, and business owners to share discussions, consultations, and expertise for business development.

Al-Yaqout said, “We attract expertise, talent, and the best minds from both inside and outside the country to address laws and the legislative environment in a way that fulfills our aspirations”. Meanwhile, Ibrahim Al-Awadhi, Chairman of the Real Estate Union, stated that the 9th Kuwait Commercial Law Forum has become an important annual event that brings together law, economics, and real estate in a unified dialogue. Their participation is not merely symbolic but reflects a strong belief that the real estate sector cannot thrive without a clear, stable, and modern legal framework.

The forum, under the leadership of Khalifa Al-Yaqout and in partnership with LexisNexis, has over the years been able to raise bold discussions about legislation central to the Kuwaiti economy, including laws on real estate development, registration, licensing, dispute resolution, and investor empowerment. Real estate legislation forms the backbone of economic growth, and developers require a legal framework that offers clarity and assurance before undertaking any project. The role of the real estate developer within the legal framework is one of the most important themes of this year’s forum, making it a pivotal topic. Al-Awadhi said, “The developer is the hand that builds, while the law is the ground on which it stands”.

He explained that this highlights the importance of modern and consistent legislation aimed at protecting the rights of investors and buyers, clarifying licensing and enforcement mechanisms, expediting real estate dispute resolution, and enhancing market transparency. These elements are not luxuries but foundations for attracting local and foreign investment and for creating housing, commercial, and tourism projects that add value to the national economy. Al-Awadhi emphasized that the partnership between the real estate and legal sectors is long-standing, but it is currently stronger and more influential than ever. He noted that the Real Estate Union sees a significant opportunity for Kuwait to advance its real estate legislation, adding that empowering real estate developers is essential for improving project quality, accelerating implementation, and diversifying real estate products. Furthermore, Khaled Al-Suwaifan, Secretary of the Kuwait Lawyers Society, affirmed that this annual forum has become one of the most significant legal events in Kuwait.

By Marwa Al-Bahrawi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff