Seven new faces join Cabinet as Amiri Decree reshapes government structure

An Amiri decree issued yesterday ordered a significant Cabinet reshuffle, increasing the number of ministers in the government to 21, making it the second largest government in Kuwait’s history.

Decree No. 11 of 2026 introduced wide-ranging changes, including the appointment of seven new ministers, the departure of three ministers, and the amendment of one ministerial portfolio.

The decree came as part of the fourth reshuffle since the formation of the 46th government on May 12, 2024, headed by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah.

Portfolio Amendment

Article One of the decree amended the appointment of Omar Al-Omar, who continues in his role following the renaming of his portfolio to Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology Affairs, reflecting an expanded focus on the technology sector, reports Al-Jarida daily.

Seven New Ministers Appointed

Article Two named the following new ministers, all of whom are holding ministerial office for the first time:

Osama Khaled Abdullah Boodai – Minister of Commerce and Industry
Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah – Minister of Foreign Affairs
Dr. Reem Ghazi Saud Al-Faleej – Minister of State for Development and Sustainability Affairs
Dr. Tariq Hamad Nasser Al-Jalahma – Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs
Abdulaziz Nasser Abdulaziz Al-Marzouq – Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment
Abdullah Subaih Abdullah Buftain – Minister of Information and Culture
Dr. Yaqoub Al-Sayed Yousef Al-Sayed Hashem Al-Rifai – Minister of Finance

Article Three tasked the Prime Minister with implementing the decree, which took effect upon issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.

Departing Ministers

The reshuffle saw the exit of Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, Abdullah Al-Yahya, and Khalifa Al-Ajil from the Cabinet.

Rise in Female Representation

With the appointment of Dr. Reem Al-Faleej, the number of women in the cabinet has risen to three. She joins Minister of Public Works Noura Al-Mashaan and Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah.

Structural Changes

The reshuffle also introduced structural adjustments:

• The Ministry of Information was separated from the Youth portfolio.
• The Investment portfolio was separated from the Ministry of Finance.
• The communications portfolio was formally expanded to include information technology.

Historic Size

With 21 ministers, the current government now equals the 13th government formed on July 12, 1986, headed by the late Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah, in size. The largest Cabinet in Kuwait’s history remains the 14th government formed on June 20, 1990, which had 22 ministers.

The latest changes mark the 12th adjustment to the current government since its formation, underscoring an ongoing phase of political and administrative restructuring.