Overview

The State of Kuwait is situated in the north-east corner of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by the Republic of Iraq to the north and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the south and west. It also shares a maritime border with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Kuwait covers an area of almost 18,000 square kilometres, approximately a quarter of the size of Tasmania, and has a population of 4.4 million (2022), with expatriate foreign workers accounting for around two thirds of the population.

Kuwait's modern history began in the 18th century with the founding of the city of Kuwait by Arab tribes from the Arabian Peninsula. Kuwait became a British protectorate in 1897 and gained independence in 1961.

In August 1990, Kuwait was invaded and forcibly annexed by Iraq under Saddam Hussein. The seven-month Iraqi occupation came to an end after direct military intervention by United States-led coalition forces, in which Australia participated.

Oil production in Kuwait had begun in the 1940s and was largely nationalised by Kuwait in 1974. Kuwait is a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and is estimated to have the world's seventh largest oil reserves.

Political overview

Kuwait is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. The head of state, the Amir, is chosen from the ruling Al-Sabah family and confirmed by the National Assembly (Majlis Al-Umma). The current Amir is His Highness (HH) Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who acceded to the position in December 2023.

Kuwait was the first member of the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) to establish a directly elected parliament, in 1963. The National Assembly comprises 50 directly elected members who serve four-year terms. The Assembly has the power to question and dismiss ministers, including the Prime Minister, and to block legislation. Although political parties are banned, there are various interest groupings or 'blocs'.

The Council of Ministers (cabinet) forms the executive level of government, and advises and assists the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the Amir. The Prime Minister is HH Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, who was appointed by the Amir in May 2024. Citing conflict between parliament and the appointed Cabinet, on 
10 May 2024 the Amir dissolved parliament and suspended some articles of the constitution for up to four years, with the powers of the National Assembly assumed by the Amir and the Cabinet.

In addition to being a member of the GCC, which includes Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, Kuwait is also a member of the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), OPEC, the World Trade Organization and the United Nations and its various agencies.

Kuwait's foreign policy is founded on Gulf unity and a long-standing strategic alliance with the United States. It also has close and longstanding ties with the United Kingdom.

Bilateral relations

Australia and Kuwait enjoy a friendly and cooperative relationship. Relations are underpinned by our strong trade and investment ties and people-to-people links, across the education, science and research spheres. Kuwait recognises the support for Kuwait's independence and territorial integrity provided by Australia's contribution to the coalition force, which in 1991 liberated Kuwait from the Iraqi occupation.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established formally in 1974 and Australia opened an Embassy in Kuwait City in December 2004. The then Foreign Minister of Australia officially opened the Australian Embassy at its current premises when he visited Kuwait in June 2008. Kuwait upgraded its Liaison Office in Canberra to an Embassy in January 2002 and opened a Cultural office in 2008.

Kuwait and Australia held their first Senior Officials' Talks in November 2020, which involved a variety of government and commercial stakeholders. Trade, investment and education formed a key focus of discussions.

Economic overview

Kuwait’s GDP was estimated at US$159.7 billion in 2023. Real GDP is projected to fall by 1.4 per cent in 2024. Its small, relatively open economy is dominated by the oil industry and the government sector. It is OPEC's fourth largest oil producer globally (2022 est.). Kuwait's economy is dependent on the oil sector, accounting for approximately 40 per cent of its GDP and 90 per cent of government revenue. Kuwait has traditionally contributed a proportion of its revenue into a Future Generations Fund managed by the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA). KIA is estimated as the world's third largest sovereign wealth fund, with over US$803 billion in assets under management.

Kuwait has one of the oldest economic systems in the Middle East, with a stock exchange dating back nearly 60 years and a well-developed banking system. Kuwait has implemented reforms to allow 100 per cent foreign ownership of inward foreign investments in most non-oil and gas sectors and is seeking to encourage foreign businesses into Kuwait.

Major industries include real estate, shipping, construction, cement, water desalination, construction materials and financial services. Real GDP grew by 8.7 per cent in 2022.

Kuwait's economy has been impacted by recent fluctuations in global oil prices related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Trade and investment

The trade relationship is substantial, with strong potential for further expansion in agribusiness, the energy sector (professional services and related equipment), education, tourism and other services. Two-way merchandise trade amounted to approximately AU$568.9 million in 2023 (excluding exports trans-shipped through Dubai). Kuwait is a significant market for Australian exports of wheat and sheep meat. Other key commodities include barley, dairy, meat, fruits, and vegetables. Imports from Kuwait are almost entirely petroleum products and fertilisers.

Kuwait is also an important market for Australian education and tourism services which build the people-to-people relationship. In 2023, there were around 510 Kuwaiti students studying at Australian universities, the majority on Kuwait Government scholarships. The establishment of the Australian University (formerly Australian College of Kuwait (ACK) in January 2022 and Box Hill College of Kuwait in 2007 has assisted in expanding educational links.

Up to 1,000 Australians reside in Kuwait, employed mainly in the education, banking, oil and gas and security industries. Australian companies with offices in Kuwait are predominately centred around engineering and construction management services, and education.

Kuwait's investments in Australia are estimated at over AU$12.6 billion (2022), including significant investments from KIA, and the Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC). Areas of investment include real estate, airports, hotels, banking, green energy generation and the oil and gas sector.

There is considerable scope for Australia to increase our bilateral commercial relationship with Kuwait. Kuwait's plans to develop infrastructure mega-projects and to diversify the skills base of its citizens represent significant opportunities for Australian companies. English is widely spoken, and Kuwait has low import tariffs and taxes. The number of Australian food and beverage products in Kuwait has increased in recent years. There is also scope for growth in sectors including agribusiness, infrastructure, education, and health services.

High level visits

• January 2019: Parliamentary Delegation visited Kuwait
• May 2018: The Hon David Littleproud, then-Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources visited Kuwait.
• February 2018: The Hon Julie Bishop, then-Minister for Foreign Affairs visited Kuwait.