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Sunday, November 09, 2025
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Will Rising Tourist Numbers Spark a Spending Surge in Kuwait?

publish time

09/11/2025

publish time

09/11/2025

Will Rising Tourist Numbers Spark a Spending Surge in Kuwait?

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 9: Spending in the first nine months of 2025 totaled KD 34.35 billion, down 4.66 percent, or KD 1.67 billion, compared to the same period in 2024. The Central Bank of Kuwait recently released financial data for the first ten months of 2025. Some of these figures indicate a decrease in consumer spending, which has raised concerns among the public and contributed to a generally negative atmosphere. In this regard, several economic experts told the daily that this drop reflects a slowdown in food and other markets.

According to financial analyst and economist Sultan Al- Jazzaf, some observers view this as the early signs of an economic slowdown. However, there is no need for alarm, as all economic indicators, from both the World Bank and local banks, continue to show positive prospects for the Kuwaiti economy. Al-Jazzaf highlighted World Bank data showing that Kuwait’s economy is growing at 2.5 percent and could reach 3 percent by the end of 2025. He said, while consumption by the general population has declined, the most significant development has been an 11 percent increase in government spending, an increase not seen in years, along with improved oil revenues. Al-Jazzaf attributed Kuwait’s current economic growth to the unprecedented economic and legislative reforms underway. The data also indicated a drop in online spending during the first nine months of 2025, amounting to approximately KD 13.11 billion, compared to KD 14.35 billion in the same period of 2024, a decrease of KD 1.24 billion, or 8 percent.

Al-Jazzaf stated that the economic cycle sometimes experiences periods of fluctuation, and the current decline in consumer spending may be temporary, resulting from specific circumstances, changes in consumer behavior, or the saturation of needs and goods. He believes that facilitating tourist, family, and business visits will play a role in boosting consumer spending by the end of this year and into the next. Furthermore, food security consultant and economist Mohammed Al-Furaih attributed the decline in consumer spending in Kuwait this year, compared to last year, to the political situation in the region. He explained that regional wars and crises have affected the economic conditions of many countries, contributing to higher maritime transport costs and, consequently, increased product prices. Consumers generally do not forgo purchasing food items even when prices rise, but they tend to be more cautious with luxury or non-essential goods, such as cars.

Al-Furaih urged Kuwait to invest in land outside Kuwait for the establishment of farms for cattle and broiler chickens, as well as other food processing and industrial facilities. He said this approach could create opportunities to diversify national revenue streams and help control price increases. Al-Furaih also recommended that Kuwait acquire large tracts of land in countries suitable for wheat cultivation, such as Egypt, Russia, or other Asian nations, to produce wheat for the country. He further emphasized the importance of supporting small business owners, particularly those in manufacturing, to reduce reliance on imports.

Also, economic expert Lawyer Athbi Al-Tahnoon stated that the significant rise in gold prices this year has contributed to a decrease in purchasing power for the majority of consumers. He highlighted that global economic and political conditions have affected not only Kuwait but many other countries as well. Lawyer Al-Tahnoon believes the decline in consumer spending is temporary and is expected to rebound with the implementation of decisions related to foreign investment and other upcoming measures aimed at improving the economic situation.

By Najeh Bilal Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff