Artificial Intelligence's Role and Regulations in Kuwait: Navigating the Future
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, Kuwait finds itself at a significant crossroads regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) legislation. As of mid-2025, the country does not yet have dedicated national legislation specifically regulating the use of AI. However, Kuwait is actively advancing AI adoption primarily through government initiatives and regional cooperation, while emphasising ethical considerations and governance frameworks [1].
The need for clear legal frameworks to regulate AI use and mitigate potential risks is undeniable. Legal concerns about AI include liability for harm, reliance on AI for decision-making impacting individuals' rights, and ethical and legal boundaries in AI use by authorities. Despite the Electronic Transactions Law in Kuwait providing a general framework for digital dealings, it does not specifically address AI [2].
Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has deployed AI-driven technologies such as AI-powered traffic surveillance cameras and facial recognition systems to modernize law enforcement and public safety efforts since late 2024. This reflects a growing governmental reliance on AI but under existing statutory frameworks rather than AI-specific laws [1].
Kuwait’s participation in international forums like the WSIS 2025 and AI for Good Global Summit highlighted its commitment to digital transformation, including the adoption of AI while building national digital capacities and ensuring digital inclusion. The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), led by Kuwaiti officials, has launched tools such as the "AI Ethics Assessment Tool" designed to guide ethical AI development and use, prioritising human rights and ethical standards [2].
In July 2025, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia signed a cooperation agreement aimed at AI governance, research, and emerging tech development. This indicates an emphasis on regional partnership for establishing governance principles and standards, which may form the basis for future legislation [5].
While specific Kuwait AI laws have not been widely reported as enacted, Kuwait is actively involved in discussions and is taking inspiration from international and Gulf regional best practices. The emphasis is currently on governance models, ethical frameworks, and capacity-building rather than immediate standalone AI regulatory statutes [1][2][5].
Proposals for AI regulation in Kuwait include the establishment of a dedicated legislation that provides precise definitions of AI, establishes legal accountability, and governs its use across all sectors, including healthcare, interior security, and the judiciary. Additionally, there is a proposal for an independent national authority for AI, responsible for monitoring AI technologies, issuing regulatory recommendations, and ensuring compliance with ethical and legal standards [3].
Consideration is also being given to joining international agreements or charters aimed at regulating AI, such as the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. Furthermore, there are plans to update law faculty curricula to incorporate AI and its legal dimensions, to prepare lawyers and judges for addressing AI-related challenges [4].
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are rapidly advancing, and their use is expanding across various fields such as healthcare, data processing, and content development. The absence of a legal framework for AI may lead to challenges impacting privacy, individual rights, and societal values. As Kuwait continues to navigate this technological landscape, the development of flexible, balanced, and technology-responsive legislation is essential for shaping its trajectory [6].
References:
[1] Al-Rashed, A. (2025). Kuwait's AI Journey: From Adoption to Governance. Gulf Business.
[2] Al-Omar, N. (2025). Kuwait's Commitment to Ethical AI and Digital Transformation. Arab News.
[3] Al-Khudhari, M. (2025). Proposed AI Regulation in Kuwait: A Step Towards a Safer Digital Future. The New Arab.
[4] Al-Enezi, S. (2025). Preparing Lawyers for the AI Era: Kuwait's Approach. Middle East Lawyer.
[5] Al-Sabah, M. (2025). Kuwait-Saudi Arabia AI Cooperation: A New Era in Gulf Tech Collaboration. Gulf Times.
[6] Al-Kandari, A. (2025). The Importance of AI Regulation in Kuwait. Al-Rai.
The lack of specific AI legislation in Kuwait raises questions about accountability and ethical standards in AI use, particularly in sectors like healthcare, interior security, and the judiciary. To address this, proposals have been put forward, including the establishment of an independent national authority for AI and the development of a dedicated legislation that provides clear definitions and governs AI usage across sectors.
Kuwait's interest in international AI governance agreements, such as the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, suggests a willingness to integrate artificial intelligence within a global framework, emphasizing ethical considerations and can help shape a responsible trajectory for the country's AI development.
