Staff movement and duty of careHigh
Foreign governments advise against non essential travel to the country or large parts of it.
Country risk assessment ยท Middle East
Kuwait political and security risk assessment
Kuwait carries an elevated level of political and security risk for business. It scores 41 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 3 of 5), unchanged on last week and rising over the last 12 weeks. Last updated Nov 2, 2026.
41of 100
Elevated
Band 3 of 5
▬ Unchanged on last week
Middle East
Kuwait
What is the political and security risk in Kuwait right now?
Kuwait carries an elevated level of political and security risk for business. It scores 41 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 3 of 5), unchanged on last week and rising over the last 12 weeks.
Week on week the picture is steady. The main standing risks are foreign government warnings.
On the economic side, real GDP grew 2.7% in 2025 with inflation at 2.4%.
What are the main risks of operating in Kuwait?
Armed conflict and political violenceElevated
Armed violence is reported regularly in some areas.
Protest and civil unrestGuarded
Protests occur but rarely disrupt operations.
Chokepoint exposure
Strait of HormuzThe Gulf's only sea exit, between Iran and OmanRead the explainer →What has changed recently in Kuwait?
Kuwait moved unchanged this week and rose 4 points over the last 12 weeks, from 37 to 41.
What happens next? Outlook for the next 1 to 3 months
We assess there is a realistic possibility that Kuwait stays in the Elevated band through the end of December. It sits 2 points from the Guarded band.
40 to 55%
0%50%100%
Likelihood ranges are editorial judgments, not advice.
What does it mean for shipping, supply chains and operations?
Trade routes for Kuwait are exposed to the Strait of Hormuz, so disruption there feeds straight into freight time and cost.
Fuels make up 93% of goods exports (2025 data), so security events can move energy supply and prices.
Trade equals 94% of GDP (2024 data). A highly open economy, so local disruption travels quickly through supplier networks.
Operations continue but need active security planning in affected areas.
Key facts
GDPUS$157.2 billionLatest data, 2025
Real GDP growth2.7%Latest data, 2025
Inflation2.4%Latest data, 2025
Trade94% of GDPLatest data, 2024
Fuel exports93% of goods exportsLatest data, 2025
Population4.9 millionLatest data, 2025
How has the Kuwait threat score moved?
Frequently asked questions
What is the political and security risk in Kuwait for business?
Kuwait carries an elevated level of political and security risk for business. It scores 41 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 3 of 5), unchanged on last week and rising over the last 12 weeks.
What are the main geopolitical risks of operating in Kuwait?
The main risk drivers are staff movement and duty of care (high); armed conflict and political violence (elevated); protest and civil unrest (guarded). Foreign governments advise against non essential travel to the country or large parts of it.
What is the outlook for Kuwait?
We assess there is a realistic possibility (40 to 55%) that Kuwait stays in the Elevated band through the end of December. It sits 2 points from the Guarded band.
Which shipping chokepoints matter for Kuwait?
Kuwait is exposed to the Strait of Hormuz. The Gulf's only sea exit, between Iran and Oman.
How often is the Kuwait risk assessment updated?
The Kuwait threat score is updated weekly on the Zed Three World Threat Map, and this assessment is reviewed monthly. It was last updated Nov 2, 2026.
Related country assessments
Published by Zed Three, a private, independent risk intelligence company. Assessment last updated Nov 2, 2026. Threat score updated weekly, last on Nov 2, 2026. General analysis for informational purposes, not security, legal or investment advice.
Custom reports
Need a deeper read on Kuwait?
Zed Three builds custom threat and risk reports around your people, suppliers and routes.
Free weekday briefing
Get Chokepoint free
The five stories that move markets, supply chains and deals, each with the so what worked out. Five minutes, every weekday morning.