KUWAIT: Kuwait plans to return to the global debt market this year and is expected to borrow between KD 3 to 6 billion during the current 2025/2026 fiscal year to finance development projects, a finance ministry official said on Monday. Director of Public Debt at the Finance Ministry Faisal Al-Muzaini said during a presentation of the new debt law that the funds will be borrowed from global and domestic markets to fund a number of development projects.

Kuwait issued a new debt law in March, putting a ceiling of KD 30 billion on public debt and maturity at 50 years. It will be the first time Kuwait returns to borrowing since 2017. Al-Muzaini however said the ratio of debt to gross domestic product (GDP) in Kuwait is minuscule at just 2.9 percent, whereas it is 60 to 70 percent in many countries. He said that the 2025-2030 five-year strategic borrowing plan will be determined by oil prices, global markets and risks associated with borrowing.

Al-Muzaini described the public debt law as one of the most important reform measures in the history of public finances for Kuwait. “This law sends a strong message of fiscal discipline and credibility to global markets. It is expected to contribute to enhancing Kuwait’s credit profile, drawing wider investor interest and advancing the country’s transition toward a diversified economy.”

Finance Ministry Undersecretary Aseel Al-Munaifi said the new debt law will stimulate the economic environment and promote foreign investments into Kuwait, besides accelerating economic growth and strengthening the banking system in Kuwait.

“The law will support the restructuring of government financing, reduce borrowing costs and strengthen Kuwait’s credit rating,” she said. “It reflects positively on the state’s borrowing capabilities under competitive conditions and helps build up financial reserves to meet commitments amid evolving economic circumstances.”

Al-Munaifi said a law regulating the issuance of sukuk, or Islamic bonds, is expected to be issued soon as it is being reviewed by authorities at the Council of Ministers. The debt law also allows the issuance of financial instruments and establishes a long-term legal framework for public borrowing.