Kuwaiti banks continued to strengthen their support for the national economy, with financing extended to the business sector rising to 34.15 billion dinars by the end of April 2026, up 8.7% from 31.42 billion dinars a year earlier, according to Central Bank of Kuwait data.
Business lending increased by 2.73 billion dinars year-on-year and grew by nearly one billion dinars during the first four months of 2026, reflecting steady credit demand and the banking sector’s resilience despite regional geopolitical tensions.
The business sector remained the main driver of credit growth, accounting for nearly 80% of the increase in outstanding credit facilities to residents. Financing to businesses represented 62.9% of all resident credit facilities, underlining its importance in Kuwait’s banking portfolio.
The real estate sector remained the largest recipient of financing, with outstanding loans reaching 10.96 billion dinars, an annual increase of 555.2 million dinars, reflecting continued investment and development activity.
The oil and gas sector recorded one of the strongest gains, with financing rising to 2.24 billion dinars, up 520.8 million dinars from a year earlier, supported by ongoing energy investments.
Strong growth was also recorded across several other sectors. Financing for securities purchases increased by 665.5 million dinars to 4.71 billion dinars, while lending to other services rose by 353.6 million dinars to 4.19 billion dinars. Financing to non-bank financial institutions grew by 350.6 million dinars to 1.79 billion dinars.
Meanwhile, lending to the industrial sector climbed to 2.34 billion dinars, while construction financing reached 2.85 billion dinars, reflecting continued momentum in manufacturing, infrastructure and development projects. Financing to banks and public services also posted notable increases during the period.
The figures underscore the banking sector’s continued role in supporting economic activity, investment and business expansion despite external economic and geopolitical challenges.
