Cabinet hails ‘Sahel’ and ‘Qaid’ as cornerstones of Kuwait’s digital and financial transformation

The Cabinet has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Kuwait’s digital transformation, directing the continued rollout of smart digital journeys through the unified government application “Sahel” and endorsing the “Qaid” project as a major step toward strengthening transparency, oversight and governance in the business environment.

This came during the Cabinet’s weekly meeting held at Bayan Palace, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, Prime Minister.

The Council reviewed a visual presentation by the Minister of State for Communications, Omar Al-Omar, on the 2025 performance of the “Sahel” application, which highlighted significant growth in usage and continuous improvement in digital government services.

According to the report, the number of users exceeded three million, with more than 52 million digital transactions completed during the year and 59 new government services added.

The Cabinet praised the efforts of the Executive Committee overseeing “Sahl” and the technical teams across government agencies, and instructed the continuation of smart digital journeys focused on enhancing user experience and expanding integration between government entities to improve efficiency and better serve citizens and residents.

The Cabinet also reviewed a presentation by the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Khalifa Al-Ajil, on the “Qaid” project—the national system for electronically filing financial statements—and the adoption of the international XBRL standard. The initiative aims to enhance governance, transparency, decision-making efficiency and to build a comprehensive national financial database to support proactive oversight.

Minister Al-Ajil explained that XBRL is a global standard that converts financial statements into structured, machine-readable digital data, enabling automated checks, standardized reporting and advanced analysis at company and sector levels. He noted that optional implementation began on January 1, 2026, with mandatory application set to commence in January 2027.

He added that adopting XBRL will position Kuwait among the region’s leading countries in the accuracy and quality of commercial financial data.

The Cabinet commended the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for its efforts, stressing that the “Qaid” project represents a qualitative leap in developing the commercial system and improving the business environment in terms of transparency, control and governance.

In another development, the Cabinet reviewed the minutes of the Ministerial Committee for Public Services, focusing on challenges faced by the governorates in projects and services. It instructed all government agencies to cooperate closely with governors, study obstacles from all aspects and take appropriate measures in line with available resources and priorities. Each agency will designate a liaison officer with the authority to respond to governors’ inquiries.

The Central Agency for Information Technology was tasked with establishing electronic communication systems linking governorates with state entities, while the Supreme Council for Planning and Development will keep governorates informed of projects included in the development plan.

The Cabinet also reviewed a presentation on Kuwait’s efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, delivered by Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy and Acting Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, in the presence of senior officials from the Financial Intelligence Unit.

The presentation highlighted legislative reforms, operational enhancements, international cooperation and the application of best practices. The Cabinet praised the high level of coordination and integration among relevant authorities and affirmed its full support for ongoing efforts to strengthen the national system.

On foreign relations, the Cabinet was briefed on the official visit of Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his talks with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, in the presence of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and the Prime Minister. Discussions covered bilateral relations, expanding cooperation and key regional and international issues.

The Cabinet was also informed about the visit of the Bahraini Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, and his meetings with senior Kuwaiti leadership, which focused on enhancing security cooperation, coordination and the exchange of expertise, underscoring the deep fraternal ties between the two countries.

Additionally, the Cabinet congratulated His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman on the fifth anniversary of his accession to the throne, wishing continued progress and prosperity for Oman and its people.

Finally, the Cabinet approved the minutes of the Higher Committee for Kuwaiti Citizenship Verification, which included cases of loss and withdrawal of citizenship in accordance with the law, and reviewed several other agenda items, referring some to ministerial committees for further study.