State of Kuwait
The State of Kuwait was originally referred to as 'Qurain' (or Grane) in the early seventeenth century. This
name is derived from the Arabic words 'Qarn' which means a high hill and 'Kout' meaning a fortress. Some
historians believe that Barrak, Sheikh of the Bani Khalid tribe built Kuwait.
Located at the upper northwestern corner of the Arabian Gulf, has an area of 17,818 square kilometres and is
bounded on the west and north by Iraq, on the east by the Arabian Gulf, and on the south by Saudi Arabia.
Topographically, Kuwait is mainly flat desert land, the only relief areas being Muttla Ridge which fringes the
north coast of the Kuwait Bay, and the Ahmadi Range, which runs between Burgan Oilfield and the sea.
A territory of 5675 square kilometres was shared by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia as a neutral zone until 1969,
when a political boundary was agreed upon. Each of the two countries administers one-half of the territory
called the Divided Zone, but, as before, they share equally the revenues from oil production in the entire area.
While the boundary with Saudi Arabia is defined, the border with Iraq remains disputed.
The capital city of Kuwait, a true desert metropolis, is located on the southern shore of Kuwait Bay. With
almost all of its population concentrated in or near the capital, Kuwait is one of the world’s most highly
urbanized states. Its origin is usually placed at about the beginning of the 18th century, when the Banu ‘Utub,
a group of families of the ‘Anizah tribe in the interior of the Arabian Peninsula, migrated to the area that is now
Kuwait. The foundation of the autonomous sheikhdom of Kuwait is dated from 1756, when the settlers decided
to appoint a Sheikh from the Sabah family. During the 19th century, Kuwait developed as a thriving,
independent trading community. Towards the end of the century one ruler, ‘Abdallah II (reigned 1866-1892),
began moving Kuwait closer to the Ottoman Empire, although never placing his country under Ottoman rule.
This trend was reversed with the accession of Mubarak the Great, who came to power by assassinating his
brother Abdallah, an act of uncustomary political violence in Kuwait. Mubarak cultivated a close relationship
with Britain in order to keep other European powers and the Ottomans at bay. An 1899 treaty granted Britain,
control of Kuwait’s foreign affairs. Following the outbreak of World War I, Kuwait became a British protectorate.
At the 1922 Conference of Al Uqayr, Britain negotiated the Kuwait-Saudi border, with substantial territorial loss
to Kuwait. A 1923 memorandum set out the border with Iraq based on an unratified 1913 convention.
The first Iraqi claim to Kuwait surfaced in 1938, the year oil was discovered in the sheikhdom. Although neither
Iraq nor the Ottoman Empire had ever actually ruled Kuwait, Iraq asserted a vague historical title. That year it
also offered some rhetorical support to a merchant uprising against the Emir. Following the failure of the
uprising called the Majlis Movement, Iraq continued to put forth a claim to at least part of Kuwait, notably the
strategic islands of Bubiyan and
Al Warbah.
On June 19, 1961, Britain recognized Kuwait’s independence. Six days later, however, Iraq renewed its claim,
which was now rebuffed by first British, then Arab League forces. It was not until 1963 that a new Iraqi regime
formally recognized both Kuwait’s independence and, subsequently, its borders, while continuing to press for
access to the islands.
The Iran-Iraq War of 1980-90 represented a serious threat to Kuwait’s security. Kuwait saw no alternative to
providing Iraq substantial financial support and serving as a vital conduit for military supplies. Iran attacked a
Kuwaiti refinery complex in 1981 and inspired terrorist acts of sabotage in 1983 and 1986. In September 1986
Iran began to concentrate its attacks on gulf shipping largely on Kuwaiti tankers. This led Kuwait to invite both
the Soviet Union (with which it had established diplomatic relations in 1963) and the United States to provide
protection for its tankers.
The effect of the war promoted closer relations with Kuwait’s conservative Gulf Arab neighbours - Saudi Arabia,
Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. With them, in 1981, Kuwait had formed the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) to develop closer cooperation on economic and security issues. With the end of the
Iran-Iraq War in 1990, Iraqi-Kuwaiti relations began to deteriorate. On August 2, 1990, Iraq unexpectedly
invaded and conquered the country.
Although Iraq advanced several arguments in support of its actions, the basic causes of the invasion of Kuwait
were the perennial ones that had led earlier Iraqi regimes to seek the same result: the desire to control Kuwait’
s oil and wealth; the military benefits Iraq would gain from a greater frontage on the Arabian Gulf; the urge to
Pan-Arabism, Iraq seeing the acquisition of Kuwait as the first step toward the union of all the Arabs under Iraqi
leadership; the prestige such an adventure, if successful, could confer on the political leadership in Baghdad;
and the feeling held by most Iraqis (despite its historical inaccuracy) that Kuwait was genuinely part of Iraq. On
August 8, Iraq announced the annexation of Kuwait, in spite of condemnations from the United Nations, the
major world powers, the Arab League, and the European Community.
The State of Kuwait was originally referred to as 'Qurain' (or Grane) in the early seventeenth century. This
name is derived from the Arabic words 'Qarn' which means a high hill and 'Kout' meaning a fortress. Some
historians believe that Barrak, Sheikh of the Bani Khalid tribe built Kuwait.
Located at the upper northwestern corner of the Arabian Gulf, has an area of 17,818 square kilometres and is
bounded on the west and north by Iraq, on the east by the Arabian Gulf, and on the south by Saudi Arabia.
Topographically, Kuwait is mainly flat desert land, the only relief areas being Muttla Ridge which fringes the
north coast of the Kuwait Bay, and the Ahmadi Range, which runs between Burgan Oilfield and the sea.
A territory of 5675 square kilometres was shared by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia as a neutral zone until 1969,
when a political boundary was agreed upon. Each of the two countries administers one-half of the territory
called the Divided Zone, but, as before, they share equally the revenues from oil production in the entire area.
While the boundary with Saudi Arabia is defined, the border with Iraq remains disputed.
The capital city of Kuwait, a true desert metropolis, is located on the southern shore of Kuwait Bay. With
almost all of its population concentrated in or near the capital, Kuwait is one of the world’s most highly
urbanized states. Its origin is usually placed at about the beginning of the 18th century, when the Banu ‘Utub,
a group of families of the ‘Anizah tribe in the interior of the Arabian Peninsula, migrated to the area that is now
Kuwait. The foundation of the autonomous sheikhdom of Kuwait is dated from 1756, when the settlers decided
to appoint a Sheikh from the Sabah family. During the 19th century, Kuwait developed as a thriving,
independent trading community. Towards the end of the century one ruler, ‘Abdallah II (reigned 1866-1892),
began moving Kuwait closer to the Ottoman Empire, although never placing his country under Ottoman rule.
This trend was reversed with the accession of Mubarak the Great, who came to power by assassinating his
brother Abdallah, an act of uncustomary political violence in Kuwait. Mubarak cultivated a close relationship
with Britain in order to keep other European powers and the Ottomans at bay. An 1899 treaty granted Britain,
control of Kuwait’s foreign affairs. Following the outbreak of World War I, Kuwait became a British protectorate.
At the 1922 Conference of Al Uqayr, Britain negotiated the Kuwait-Saudi border, with substantial territorial loss
to Kuwait. A 1923 memorandum set out the border with Iraq based on an unratified 1913 convention.
The first Iraqi claim to Kuwait surfaced in 1938, the year oil was discovered in the sheikhdom. Although neither
Iraq nor the Ottoman Empire had ever actually ruled Kuwait, Iraq asserted a vague historical title. That year it
also offered some rhetorical support to a merchant uprising against the Emir. Following the failure of the
uprising called the Majlis Movement, Iraq continued to put forth a claim to at least part of Kuwait, notably the
strategic islands of Bubiyan and
Al Warbah.
On June 19, 1961, Britain recognized Kuwait’s independence. Six days later, however, Iraq renewed its claim,
which was now rebuffed by first British, then Arab League forces. It was not until 1963 that a new Iraqi regime
formally recognized both Kuwait’s independence and, subsequently, its borders, while continuing to press for
access to the islands.
The Iran-Iraq War of 1980-90 represented a serious threat to Kuwait’s security. Kuwait saw no alternative to
providing Iraq substantial financial support and serving as a vital conduit for military supplies. Iran attacked a
Kuwaiti refinery complex in 1981 and inspired terrorist acts of sabotage in 1983 and 1986. In September 1986
Iran began to concentrate its attacks on gulf shipping largely on Kuwaiti tankers. This led Kuwait to invite both
the Soviet Union (with which it had established diplomatic relations in 1963) and the United States to provide
protection for its tankers.
The effect of the war promoted closer relations with Kuwait’s conservative Gulf Arab neighbours - Saudi Arabia,
Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. With them, in 1981, Kuwait had formed the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) to develop closer cooperation on economic and security issues. With the end of the
Iran-Iraq War in 1990, Iraqi-Kuwaiti relations began to deteriorate. On August 2, 1990, Iraq unexpectedly
invaded and conquered the country.
Although Iraq advanced several arguments in support of its actions, the basic causes of the invasion of Kuwait
were the perennial ones that had led earlier Iraqi regimes to seek the same result: the desire to control Kuwait’
s oil and wealth; the military benefits Iraq would gain from a greater frontage on the Arabian Gulf; the urge to
Pan-Arabism, Iraq seeing the acquisition of Kuwait as the first step toward the union of all the Arabs under Iraqi
leadership; the prestige such an adventure, if successful, could confer on the political leadership in Baghdad;
and the feeling held by most Iraqis (despite its historical inaccuracy) that Kuwait was genuinely part of Iraq. On
August 8, Iraq announced the annexation of Kuwait, in spite of condemnations from the United Nations, the
major world powers, the Arab League, and the European Community.
SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
Kuwait is an independent country with a constitution. It has a democratic amiri regime. His Highness the Amir of
the State is the ruler of the country. Kuwait National Assembly must enact country laws. The number of the
assembly members is 50, chosen by people every 4 years through free and fair elections. Authorities in Kuwait are
divided into legislative, executive and judiciary and the Amir is the head of the authorities. Pursuant to Kuwait
Constitution, no parties might be formed despite the existence of parliamentary blocs. Kuwait's system of
government is monarchical and constitutional. It derives its legitimacy from Kuwait Constitution. Hence, the
authority is transferred between the members of the ruling family; the family of Mubarak Al-Sabah. The title of
Kuwait ruler is Amir and he rules through the cabinet. Decrees are not executed unless approved by the Amir.
Only the Amir can issue pardons. Kuwait government system is both parliamentary and presidential; as all laws
enacted by Kuwait National Assembly are not valid until signed by the Amir within one month. After the month, if
they are not signed, they are in force same as being signed. If laws and legislations are returned to the
Assembly; then approved, they become in force without Amir signature.
the State is the ruler of the country. Kuwait National Assembly must enact country laws. The number of the
assembly members is 50, chosen by people every 4 years through free and fair elections. Authorities in Kuwait are
divided into legislative, executive and judiciary and the Amir is the head of the authorities. Pursuant to Kuwait
Constitution, no parties might be formed despite the existence of parliamentary blocs. Kuwait's system of
government is monarchical and constitutional. It derives its legitimacy from Kuwait Constitution. Hence, the
authority is transferred between the members of the ruling family; the family of Mubarak Al-Sabah. The title of
Kuwait ruler is Amir and he rules through the cabinet. Decrees are not executed unless approved by the Amir.
Only the Amir can issue pardons. Kuwait government system is both parliamentary and presidential; as all laws
enacted by Kuwait National Assembly are not valid until signed by the Amir within one month. After the month, if
they are not signed, they are in force same as being signed. If laws and legislations are returned to the
Assembly; then approved, they become in force without Amir signature.
The Head of State
The Amir is the head of state. He must be a male descendent of Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah.
The Crown Prince, the Amir’s successor, is chosen by the Amir himself but his choice must be approved by the
National Assembly. If approval is not given, the Amir nominates three descendants of Sheikh Mubarak from whom
the Assembly chooses the Crown Prince. When an Amir dies, the Crown Prince automatically becomes the new
Amir who takes oath in front of National Assembly.
The Legislative Process
Legislative power is vested both in the Amir and the National Assembly, and either have the power to propose laws.
To become law, a bill must usually be passed by the Assembly and sanctioned or ratified by the Amir. The Amir
then promulgates the law, ie proclaims it publicly. A new law is published in Al-Kuwait Al-Youm, the official gazette,
within two weeks of being promulgated and it usually comes into force one month later.
When the National Assembly is not in session or is dissolved, the Amir may issue laws by decree. Detailed
regulations under specific laws are often made by Amiri decree, or by ministerial resolution where a particular law
allows this. Much of Kuwait’s detailed administrative, social and commercial regulations are issued as ministerial
resolutions.
The National Assembly
Democratic style of Government existed in some form in much earlier times but the first parliamentary elections in
Kuwait were held in 1963. Kuwait’s National Assembly consists of 50 elected members plus any government
ministers who are not elected members. Elections are held every four years. Annual sittings begin in October and
recess in late summer. Kuwait is divided into 5 constituencies: each constituency elects four members. Kuwaiti
citizens of age 21 and above have the voting rights. Kuwaiti women were given full political rights to vote and to
participate in the country's political life in May 2005. Kuwaiti women got their first chance to vote and run for the
parliament on June 29, 2006, a year earlier, due to dissolution of the parliament by the Amir. On May 17, 2009
despite failed attempts in previous elections, four women won parliamentary seats, the winners were Rola Dashti,
an American-educated economist; Salwa al-Jassar and Aseel al-Awadi, who are both professors; and Massouma al-
Mubarak, who in 2005 became the country’s first female cabinet minister. This was an unprecedented and historic
moment for women’s rights in the world to have four female members of parliament elected all at once.
The Cabinet
The Cabinet is the executive authority in Kuwait. The chairman of the council is the Prime Minister used to be
generally the Crown Prince, appointed by the Amir who is the head of Government. However, in July 2003 by an
Amiri decree the post of Prime Minister is delinked from the position of Crown Prince to have a Prime Minister
appointed by the Amir to shoulder the responsibilities. By Amiri decree the First Deputy Premier and Foreign
Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah was appointed as the Prime Minister. Government ministers do not
have to be members of the National Assembly but upon appointment they become ex-officio members. It is the Amir
who appoints them on the Prime Minister’s recommendation and the Assembly has no role in choosing the
executive, though the Assembly has the right to accept or reject the recommendations. The total number of
ministers cannot be more than one-third of the total number of members of the Assembly. The Prime Minister
presides over meetings of the Council of Ministers (the cabinet), which are held in secret.
Higher Advisory Councils
There are various higher or supreme advisory councils to assist the government in formulating long-term policies in
particular areas. For example, the Supreme Petroleum Council is responsible for the State’s oil policies, and the
Higher Advisory Committee for Labour Affairs advises the Ministry of Social Affairs & Labour on labour issues. The
composition of these councils reflects a cross-section of specialists and groups with interests in a particular area.
Their members are appointed by the Amir.
The Governorates
The State of Kuwait is divided into six governorates: the Capital, Hawally, Ahmadi, Jahra, Farwaniyah and Mubarak
Al-Kabir. Each is headed by a governor, a representative of the Amir, who is supported by a council for the
governorate. Governors are usually members of the ruling family or closely allied to it. Membership of the councils
is by appointment.
The roles of the governors and their councils are related to social and security aspects. These include ‘supervising
the implementation of state policies, assessing the need for public utilities, responding to the problems of citizens
and encouraging cultural and sporting activities’. They act as channels of communication between the centre and
the grass-roots. They also oversee local security.
Each governorate is divided into districts or areas, eg, Jabriya, Khaldiya, etc. Each district is headed by a mayor or
chief (Mukhtar) who is responsible to the Ministry of Interior.
The Municipality
Kuwait Muncipality was established in 1930. There is only one Municipal Council for the entire state. The Council
has 16 members, of whom 6 are appointed by the Amir and 10 elected by those eligible to vote in National
Assembly elections.
The Municipality is responsible for a variety of functions, including the usual municipal services such as town
cleaning and refuse collection, and food and restaurant inspection. It has far-reaching executive powers in
commercial licensing, health and safety at work, land acquisition, urban organisation and planning and the
approval of infrastructural projects. It is responsible for issuing building licenses in the Metropolitan Area.
E-government Project
To exploit the potentials brought by the information revolution to enhance the standards of services, boosting
efficiency and accuracy, Kuwait’s Cabinet approved in August 2000 the setting up of the Supreme National
Committee which will be in charge of incorporating the latest in information technology in all stages of government
work. The realisation of the e-government project will simplify work procedure, facilitate transfer and sharing of
information which will lead to conserving efforts and resources.
Services offered by eight state institutions would be available to public through automated systems and the
internet. Automated services by the ministries of Interior, Education, Justice and health as well as the Civil Service
Commission, the Public Authority for Civil Information, Kuwait Municipality and Kuwait Institute for Scientific
Research (KISR) are now available.
The Ministry of Interior has begun executing the major components of the Ministry’s database which is linked
through high speed fibre optic network to all the Ministry’s service centres, the Ministry of Communications’ central
computer and the databases of seven other government bodies.
Another government body on the frontline of the modernisation process is the Civil Service Commission (CSC)
which claims to allow access to 764 government services through a single ‘Portal’ through the CSC website: www.
CSC.net.kw.
A recent development in this direction is the introduction of the ‘smart ID card’ by The Public Authority For Civil
Information (PACI)for renewal of ID cards without any paper work involved.
The first issue of "Kuwait e-bulletin" was broughtout by the Central Technical Body for Implementing Information
Technology in June 2005. Kuwait signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government of Singapore in
September 2004 to acquire the latest technologies for implementation in Kuwait to simplify all procedures and
transactions at the ministries. The key priorities for the development of the e-government site have been agreed
upon. The site will enable all state institutions to provide their services seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
THE LAW & COURT SYSTEM
The independence of the judiciary and the right of recourse to the courts for all persons is guaranteed in the
constitution. Kuwaiti Courts have the power to decide all cases, including commercial disputes with the government.
The court system is divided into six main divisions: family, criminal, civil, commercial, leases and administrative.
There are three levels of tribunal: The Courts of First Instance, The Higher Court of Appeal, and The Court of
Cassation.
All cases are first tried in a court of first instance in the appropriate division — the Commercial Court, for example,
considers commercial matters. The main courts of first instance are located in the Palace of Justice in Kuwait City,
but there are also local courts in other areas for settling disputes between individuals where the value of a claim
does not exceed KD 5,000. There are also special courts of first instance, such as the labour court and the traffic
court, for deciding particular types of cases.
There are three ways in which a court judgement may be appealed: to the higher court of appeal, by cassation,
and by a request for a rehearing. In the higher court of appeal, the whole case is tried again. In the court of
cassation the case is not tried again but a petition is made to have the verdict set aside on the grounds that it was
wrongly rendered or that the law was incorrectly applied. A request for a rehearing is a petition to have a case sent
back to the court where it was originally heard so that mistakes of fact or law may be corrected.
THE SECURITY FORCES
Kuwait has an array of security forces. The Ministry of Defence is responsible for external security and its army,
navy and airforce are among the most comprehensively equipped in the world. The Ministry of the Interior is
responsible for internal security. Other security forces include the National Guard which defends establishments of
a sensitive nature and provides assistance to the military and the security forces, and the Amiri Guard which is
responsible for the safety of the Amir.
Each area has a police station and the general police uses cars with black and white colours and the traffic police
has white and blue cars.
The Amir is the head of state. He must be a male descendent of Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah.
The Crown Prince, the Amir’s successor, is chosen by the Amir himself but his choice must be approved by the
National Assembly. If approval is not given, the Amir nominates three descendants of Sheikh Mubarak from whom
the Assembly chooses the Crown Prince. When an Amir dies, the Crown Prince automatically becomes the new
Amir who takes oath in front of National Assembly.
The Legislative Process
Legislative power is vested both in the Amir and the National Assembly, and either have the power to propose laws.
To become law, a bill must usually be passed by the Assembly and sanctioned or ratified by the Amir. The Amir
then promulgates the law, ie proclaims it publicly. A new law is published in Al-Kuwait Al-Youm, the official gazette,
within two weeks of being promulgated and it usually comes into force one month later.
When the National Assembly is not in session or is dissolved, the Amir may issue laws by decree. Detailed
regulations under specific laws are often made by Amiri decree, or by ministerial resolution where a particular law
allows this. Much of Kuwait’s detailed administrative, social and commercial regulations are issued as ministerial
resolutions.
The National Assembly
Democratic style of Government existed in some form in much earlier times but the first parliamentary elections in
Kuwait were held in 1963. Kuwait’s National Assembly consists of 50 elected members plus any government
ministers who are not elected members. Elections are held every four years. Annual sittings begin in October and
recess in late summer. Kuwait is divided into 5 constituencies: each constituency elects four members. Kuwaiti
citizens of age 21 and above have the voting rights. Kuwaiti women were given full political rights to vote and to
participate in the country's political life in May 2005. Kuwaiti women got their first chance to vote and run for the
parliament on June 29, 2006, a year earlier, due to dissolution of the parliament by the Amir. On May 17, 2009
despite failed attempts in previous elections, four women won parliamentary seats, the winners were Rola Dashti,
an American-educated economist; Salwa al-Jassar and Aseel al-Awadi, who are both professors; and Massouma al-
Mubarak, who in 2005 became the country’s first female cabinet minister. This was an unprecedented and historic
moment for women’s rights in the world to have four female members of parliament elected all at once.
The Cabinet
The Cabinet is the executive authority in Kuwait. The chairman of the council is the Prime Minister used to be
generally the Crown Prince, appointed by the Amir who is the head of Government. However, in July 2003 by an
Amiri decree the post of Prime Minister is delinked from the position of Crown Prince to have a Prime Minister
appointed by the Amir to shoulder the responsibilities. By Amiri decree the First Deputy Premier and Foreign
Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah was appointed as the Prime Minister. Government ministers do not
have to be members of the National Assembly but upon appointment they become ex-officio members. It is the Amir
who appoints them on the Prime Minister’s recommendation and the Assembly has no role in choosing the
executive, though the Assembly has the right to accept or reject the recommendations. The total number of
ministers cannot be more than one-third of the total number of members of the Assembly. The Prime Minister
presides over meetings of the Council of Ministers (the cabinet), which are held in secret.
Higher Advisory Councils
There are various higher or supreme advisory councils to assist the government in formulating long-term policies in
particular areas. For example, the Supreme Petroleum Council is responsible for the State’s oil policies, and the
Higher Advisory Committee for Labour Affairs advises the Ministry of Social Affairs & Labour on labour issues. The
composition of these councils reflects a cross-section of specialists and groups with interests in a particular area.
Their members are appointed by the Amir.
The Governorates
The State of Kuwait is divided into six governorates: the Capital, Hawally, Ahmadi, Jahra, Farwaniyah and Mubarak
Al-Kabir. Each is headed by a governor, a representative of the Amir, who is supported by a council for the
governorate. Governors are usually members of the ruling family or closely allied to it. Membership of the councils
is by appointment.
The roles of the governors and their councils are related to social and security aspects. These include ‘supervising
the implementation of state policies, assessing the need for public utilities, responding to the problems of citizens
and encouraging cultural and sporting activities’. They act as channels of communication between the centre and
the grass-roots. They also oversee local security.
Each governorate is divided into districts or areas, eg, Jabriya, Khaldiya, etc. Each district is headed by a mayor or
chief (Mukhtar) who is responsible to the Ministry of Interior.
The Municipality
Kuwait Muncipality was established in 1930. There is only one Municipal Council for the entire state. The Council
has 16 members, of whom 6 are appointed by the Amir and 10 elected by those eligible to vote in National
Assembly elections.
The Municipality is responsible for a variety of functions, including the usual municipal services such as town
cleaning and refuse collection, and food and restaurant inspection. It has far-reaching executive powers in
commercial licensing, health and safety at work, land acquisition, urban organisation and planning and the
approval of infrastructural projects. It is responsible for issuing building licenses in the Metropolitan Area.
E-government Project
To exploit the potentials brought by the information revolution to enhance the standards of services, boosting
efficiency and accuracy, Kuwait’s Cabinet approved in August 2000 the setting up of the Supreme National
Committee which will be in charge of incorporating the latest in information technology in all stages of government
work. The realisation of the e-government project will simplify work procedure, facilitate transfer and sharing of
information which will lead to conserving efforts and resources.
Services offered by eight state institutions would be available to public through automated systems and the
internet. Automated services by the ministries of Interior, Education, Justice and health as well as the Civil Service
Commission, the Public Authority for Civil Information, Kuwait Municipality and Kuwait Institute for Scientific
Research (KISR) are now available.
The Ministry of Interior has begun executing the major components of the Ministry’s database which is linked
through high speed fibre optic network to all the Ministry’s service centres, the Ministry of Communications’ central
computer and the databases of seven other government bodies.
Another government body on the frontline of the modernisation process is the Civil Service Commission (CSC)
which claims to allow access to 764 government services through a single ‘Portal’ through the CSC website: www.
CSC.net.kw.
A recent development in this direction is the introduction of the ‘smart ID card’ by The Public Authority For Civil
Information (PACI)for renewal of ID cards without any paper work involved.
The first issue of "Kuwait e-bulletin" was broughtout by the Central Technical Body for Implementing Information
Technology in June 2005. Kuwait signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government of Singapore in
September 2004 to acquire the latest technologies for implementation in Kuwait to simplify all procedures and
transactions at the ministries. The key priorities for the development of the e-government site have been agreed
upon. The site will enable all state institutions to provide their services seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
THE LAW & COURT SYSTEM
The independence of the judiciary and the right of recourse to the courts for all persons is guaranteed in the
constitution. Kuwaiti Courts have the power to decide all cases, including commercial disputes with the government.
The court system is divided into six main divisions: family, criminal, civil, commercial, leases and administrative.
There are three levels of tribunal: The Courts of First Instance, The Higher Court of Appeal, and The Court of
Cassation.
All cases are first tried in a court of first instance in the appropriate division — the Commercial Court, for example,
considers commercial matters. The main courts of first instance are located in the Palace of Justice in Kuwait City,
but there are also local courts in other areas for settling disputes between individuals where the value of a claim
does not exceed KD 5,000. There are also special courts of first instance, such as the labour court and the traffic
court, for deciding particular types of cases.
There are three ways in which a court judgement may be appealed: to the higher court of appeal, by cassation,
and by a request for a rehearing. In the higher court of appeal, the whole case is tried again. In the court of
cassation the case is not tried again but a petition is made to have the verdict set aside on the grounds that it was
wrongly rendered or that the law was incorrectly applied. A request for a rehearing is a petition to have a case sent
back to the court where it was originally heard so that mistakes of fact or law may be corrected.
THE SECURITY FORCES
Kuwait has an array of security forces. The Ministry of Defence is responsible for external security and its army,
navy and airforce are among the most comprehensively equipped in the world. The Ministry of the Interior is
responsible for internal security. Other security forces include the National Guard which defends establishments of
a sensitive nature and provides assistance to the military and the security forces, and the Amiri Guard which is
responsible for the safety of the Amir.
Each area has a police station and the general police uses cars with black and white colours and the traffic police
has white and blue cars.
| Embassy of The State of Kuwait Australia - New Zealand |
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