Top 10 Companies in Kuwait

Marcopolis.net presents top 10 companies in Kuwait.

Number 1
 Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA)
Bader Al Saad | Managing Director  
Of Course the largest company by assets is no other than Kuwait sovereign wealth fund. The Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) is an autonomous government body responsible for the management and administration of the General Reserve Fund (GRF), and the assets of the Future Generations Fund (FGF), as well as any other funds entrusted to it by the Minister of Finance for and on behalf of the State of Kuwait. KIA invests in the Local, Arab and International Markets with its main office located in Kuwait City and a branch office in London, UK. KIA is by far the largest company by assets. Kuwait transfers 10% of oil revenue into the Reserve for Future Generations each year, which is the overall responsibility KIA in Kuwait, the parent organization of the Kuwait Investment Office.
Investments: (23% Victoria-Jungfrau Collection AG, 16% Gulf Bank, 12% Arab Insurance Group, 9% Jordan Phosphate Mines, 5% Daimler AG, 6% Citigroup, 1.7% British Petrol, KFH, Zain) 
Assets: USD 300 billion (2010)

Number 2
 Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) 
Farouk Al Zanki | CEO  
Followed by KPC, which is the largest corporation in Kuwait and 78th largest corporation in the world by revenues, larger than Deutsche Telecom, BMW, HSBC, Petronas, BHP Billiton, Microsoft, Boeing, Pfizer, Goldman Sachs, Lockheed Martin etc. KPC is has diverse business interests across the spectrum encompass all aspects of the hydrocarbon industry, from onshore and offshore upstream exploration through production and refining, marketing, retailing, petrochemicals, as well as, marine transportation. KPC has 10 subsidiaries (Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC),Petrochemical Industries Company, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company, Kuwait Aviation Fuelling Company, Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company, Kuwait Petroleum International, Kuwait Gulf Oil Company, Oil Services Company, Oil Development Company). 
Assets: USD 74,5 billion (2010)

Number 3
 National Bank of Kuwait (NBK)
Mohammed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar | Chairman
NBK was the first national bank in Kuwait and the entire Arabian Gulf region. All the board members and the founders of NBK were renowned merchants of Kuwaiti origin. NBK was established with a capital of 13,100 shares, each valued 1,000 Rupee equivalent to KD 75 today. Over the years NBK has proved itself to be a financial leader in the Arab world. NBK has a 30% market share. 
Assets: USD 47.6 billion in 2011  (up 5% compared to September 2010)

Number 4
 Zain - Mobile Telecommunications Co. (MTC)
Asa'ad Al Banwan| Chairman
Zain Group is a mobile telecommunications company founded in 1983 in Kuwait as MTC or Mobile Telecommunications Company, and was later rebranded to Zain in 2007. Zain has commercial presence in 7 countries across Africa and the Middle East with about 37.6 million customers as of March 31, 2011. It employs 6000 people. Shareholders (KIA 24,6%, Kharafi Group 11.4%-20% (estimate))
Assets: USD 13 billion

Number 5
 Kuwait Finance House
Mohammed Sulaiman Al-Omar | CEO
KFH was established in 1977. With total assets of $48 billion on Sept. 30, 2011, KFH is the largest bank in Kuwait. KFH has roughly 31% market share of total asset in Kuwait. KFH successfully expanded in the region and now has presence in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Malaysia, the Cayman Islands and Turkey. KFH has 212 branches globally and 15 consolidated subsidiaries. The Kuwait Investment Authority holds the largest stake in KFH (24%). The bank is rated by international agencies S&P, Moody's and Fitch as A-, Aa3 and A+.
Assets: USD 48 billion in 2011 

Number 6
 M.A. Kharafi & Sons
Bader Kharafi | Chairman 
With an annual turnover exceeding US$5 Billion the M.A. Kharafi Group operates in more than 25 countries around the world and has more than 120,000 employees. Stakes & Ownership: the group holds a 12.7-20 percent stake in Zain, Kharafi National, National Investment Co., National Industries Group, Kuwait Food Co. The group's interests span real estate, retail and financial services, but these were hit hard by the financial crisis and it has direct and indirect liabilities likely to total at least $5 billion
Assets: Estimate USD 15-25 billion 

Number 7
 Kuwait Projects (KIPCO)
Faisal Hamad Al Ayyar | Vice Chairman  
KIPCO is one of the largest investment holding companies in the region. The majority stake in KIPCO is held by Kuwait's ruling family. KIPCO has investments in more than 60 companies. Among them: (Burgan Bank, United Real Estate Company, KAMCO and Gulf Insurance Company.)
Assets: USD 20 billion (2010)

Number 8
 Al Ghanim Industries
Omar Al Ghanim | Chairman 
Alghanim Industries is one of the largest privately-owned companies in the Gulf region, predominantly in Kuwait. A multinational company in outlook with operations in 40 countries, Alghanim Industries is a multi-billion dollar conglomerate with more than 30 businesses.
Assets: Estimate USD 5-10 billion. 

Number 9
 Sultan Family 
Tareq Sultan | Chairman
Sultan family ownes significant stakes at Sultan Center (Kuwait's largest independent retailer) and Agility Logistics (Largest Logistics company in Kuwait).

Number 10
 Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS)
Fahad Al Rajaan | Chairman
Although perhaps the biggest institution in Kuwait, the list would not be complete without PIFSS. Established in 1977, PIFSS is one of the oldest institutions in the Middle East. Despite being a public institution its success lay partly in its independence, which allows it to operate much like a private pension fund.PIFSS is also a powerful investor both nationally and internationally. Once it collects the premiums, PIFSS invests the money through institutions like Wafra Investment Advisory Group (Wafra) - assets under management USD 10 billion.

Top IT Companies in Kuwait

Listed as the third largest computer market within the Gulf region, Kuwait is expected to have favorable IT conditions this year. According to the Business Monitor "the country is projected to spend over $900 million in 2012 within the IT sector alone, which is a 9% increase from previous years. Due to high oil revenue, Kuwait is one of the most advanced IT states in the region."

Furthermore, "the forecast for the IT sector has been upwardly revised in several areas due to macroeconomic factors. The country has a risk/reward rating of 56.3 out of 100, making it fourth out of 11 countries in RRR."

Moreover, the demand for software is continuously growing.

IT Companies in Kuwait | List of IT Companies of Kuwait

 Arabian Information Technology Solutions Company
ArabianITS is part of the Sultan Telecom Group and is a fast growing provider of Managed Services solutions. The company specializes in areas such as routing and switching, security, communication and infrastructure management.
 Diyar United Company
"Diyar" means "home" in the Arabic language and serves as the inspiration and motivation for Diyar's IT service and solutions. The company states that it integrates the latest technology and most innovative services.
 Gulfsat
Gulfsat provides satellite communications solutions and is a member of the gulf’s leading investment company, KIPCO Group. It is the exclusive Satellite service provider in Kuwait.
 International Turnkey Systems
International Turnkey Systems acts as an IT solutions and software services provider across the Middle East, GCC region, Africa, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Malaysia. ITS offers customer care and a billing system through TABS.
 Al Alamiah Technology Group
Considered a leader in system integration, manpower, service outsourcing, and application development, ATG offers a wide range of products and Software Solutions. The company has obtained ISO 9001:2000 certification and other credentials.
 Al Dar Systems
Al Dar Systems is recognized as an Oracle Certified Advantage Partner and is thus a company with the highest membership level. They provide ERP, CRM, and Strategic Enterprise Management as well as DSS Life Cycle Implementation processes.
 Tagstone
Tagstone specializes in radio-frequency identification (RFID) and provides consulting, system integration, and RFID training.
 Hasibat Information Technology Solutions Company
Originating almost 30 years ago in 1983, Hasibat is one of the pioneers in Kuwaiti Information Technology Solutions. They are now focusing on vertical integration by providing solutions to the oil and gas, telecom, banking and financial, airline, insurance, hospitality, and government sectors. In 1987, Hasibat became the first publicly owned IT company in Kuwait.
 Dartmedia
Dedicated solely to the task of Internet marketing and online advertising, Dartmedia has been one of the leading design and technical firms in the region since its creation in 2002..
 Crux Information Technology
Along with a capital of $500,000, Crux is an IT solutions company as well as a Microsoft Certified Business Solutions Partner with Microsoft expertise and access to Microsoft support.
 Burhan Technology Company
BurhanTec is a leading global business and IT company that provides consulting, systems integration and outsourcing solutions to diverse industries.

Top Ministries in Kuwait

Marcopolis.net presents the list of top ministries, public and private institutions in Kuwait.

 The Amiri Diwan
The Amiri Diwan (or Al-Diwan Al-Amiri as it is known in Arabic) is seen as one of the symbols of the State of Kuwait’s sovereignty. It is the headquarters and the permanent centre of the country’s rulers. The Amiri Diwan is the Amir's Office.
 Ministry of Interior 
 Kuwait Ministry of Finance
There are numberous public sector institution under the Ministry of Finance such as Kuwait Investment Authority.
 Ministry of Foreign Affairs
There are numberous public sector institution under the Ministry of Finance such as Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.
 Kuwait Ministry of Oil
There are numberous public sector institution under the Ministry of Finance such as KPC.
 Ministry of Commerce & Industry
The ministry is responsible for brining investments into the country throught various bodies such as Kuwait Kuwait Foreign Investment Bureau (KFIB), National Offset Company, Kuwait Partnerhip Bureau (PTB)

Top Public Sector Institutions in Kuwait

 Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED)
Sheikh Mohammad Al-Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah | Chief of Kuwait Foreign Investment Bureau
Kuwait Fund For Arab Economic Development is the first institution in the Middle East that took an active role in the international development efforts. Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) is marking the 50th anniversary of its establishment and a legacy of 788 loans in support of development and sustainable development worth KD 4.439 billion, USD 15.094 billion.
Interview: Kuwait Fund: 50 Years of Aiding Countries in Development
Article: Kuwait: Helping Developing Countries in Development
 Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences
Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) is a private, non-profit organization, established by an Amiri Decree issued on December, 12th 1976 (Thul-Hijjah, 21st 1396 AH). KFAS is managed and administered by a Board of Directors (BOD), chaired by H.H. the Amir of the State of Kuwait. The Board is comprised of six members appointed by H.H for a period of three years. KFAS receives financial contributions by the Kuwaiti Shareholding Companies, amounting to 1% of the net annual profit.
 Kuwait Foreign Investment Bureau (KFIB)
Sheikh Dr. Meshaal Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah | Chairman of Kuwait Foreign Investment Bureau
KFIB was established in 2003 as a division under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry in accordance with Law no. 8/2001 and the relevant executive orders with the mandate to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the State of Kuwait, and to serve as first entry point for foreign investors to facilitate establishing their investment projects.
Interview: Investment in Kuwait | Kuwait's Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
National Offset Company
Anwar Abdul Rahman Al-Jawdar | Chairman
The Offset Program of Kuwait is an obligation that foreign government or private (commercial) entities incur upon winning civil or defense contracts from Kuwait government entities; an obligation that could be satisfied through the implementation of investment projects in Kuwait or offshore, and that could add value to the national economy of Kuwait.
Kuwait Partnership Bureau (PTB)
Adel Mohammad Al-Roumi | Director General
Established under Decree No. (146) of the year 2008, the Partnerships Technical Bureau (PTB) considers governmental projects and unsolicited proposals forwarded by the Higher Committee to identify potential developmental projects that can be implemented by establishing a partnership between both the relevant public entity and interested parties from the private sector in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 7 of 2008 to regulating all Public Private Partnerships (PPP) projects in the State of Kuwait.

Top Private Sector Institutions in Kuwait

Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Ali Mohammed Thunayan Al-Ghanim | Chairman
KCCI is a Non-profit, self financed private institution, established by Ameri decree issued in 1959.Currently the registered members exceeds 79000 and represents the general assembly. The general assembly elects 24 members for the Board of Directors for a period of 4 years, half of whom are elected every two years.

Top Industrial Companies in Kuwait

The list will inlude the list of major non-petrochemical industrial companies in Kuwait. The industry in Kuwait is dominated by the petrochemical industry (for the list of petrochemical industry companies follow the link).

Top Construction Companies and Top Contracting Companies in Kuwait

Kuwait's construction industry is expected to grow by 2.5 percent in 2011 to be worth $2.4bn, according to latest data released by Business

 Monitor International. The construction sector in Kuwait is dependent on the large infrastructure projects that are to be carried out as a result of the 5 year development plan. The plan, which includes a total of 1,100 projects among them lots of Mega Projects, was approved with estimated KD37bn (US$125bn) of spending focusing on both oil and non oil economic sectors.

Many construction companies in Kuwait specialize on industrial projects and oil related projects. For the list of real estate companies follow the link. Top construction companies list also includes top contracting companies. Many companies in the construction and contracting industry are a part of a large family owned conglomerate of companies. 

Top Construction Companies in Kuwait

Kharafi National
Samer Younis | Vice Chairman 
A leading Infrastructure Project Developer in water, wastewater treatment and reclamation, district cooling, solid waste management and enhanced oil recovery as well as a leading Contractor and Facilities Management Service Provider to the petroleum, chemicals, power, water and commercial sectors in the Middle East and Africa. As developers of infrastructure, we are pursuing projects on a BOT, BOO or PPP basis. Infrastructure Project Development, Water and waste water treatment plants, solid waste management plants, facilities management . Part of M.A. Kharafi Group.

Combined Group Contracting Compan
Abdul Rahman al-Marouf | Vice Chairman 
The private Kuwaiti-based firm specializes in roads, infrastructure, housing and oil works, and has completed about $670m worth of work over the past five years. In 2007, approximately 50 per cent of its work focused on projects in the buildings and oil and gas sectors. It employs just under 3,000 people.

Alghanim International General Trading & Contracting Company
Fouad Alghanim| Chairman 
Established in the 1960s, the general contracting company has undertaken major civil and electro-mechanical projects, which include the development of major housing projects, and the installation and maintenance of major pumping stations. It also acts as regional representative for several international construction firms. Its existing customer base includes the housing, public works, energy and defence ministries, as well as Kuwait Oil Company. Part of Fouad Alghanim & Sons Group.

United Gulf Construction Company
Aliyar Dehghani| Chairman 
Headquartered in Kuwait, UGCC is a construction company that has built a significant reputation in the industry by delivering more than 150 infrastructure and construction projects in the last 35 years.

Mushrif Trading and Contracting Company
Faisal Belhoul | Chairman 
Founded in 1968, Mushrif Trading and Contracting Company KSCC, is one of the leading Civil Construction Companies in the Gulf Region. Mushrif has exceptional Design & Build capabilities in Heavy Civil Works, Major Pipeline Projects, Road Works, Waste Water Treatment Plants, Deep Foundation Works, Buildings and Specialized Construction Services. Mushrif's track records of quality, safety and reliability have made it a contractor of choice for major developers, government ministries, and private clients throughout the Gulf Region.

Ahmadiah Contracting and Trading Company
Headquartered in Kuwait, UGCC is a construction company that has built a significant reputation in the industry by delivering more than 150 infrastructure and construction projects in the last 35 years.

The 2 Top Cement Producers can be Classified as Industrial Companies.

Kuwait Cement
Rashed Abdulaziz Abdulmohsen Al-Rashed | Chairman
Kuwait Cement company supplies the building, contracting, construction, road, municipalities, government, bridge and waterworks trades with high quality cement).

Kuwait Portland Cement Company
Khaled Abdallah Al-Hamad Al-Sager | Chairman
Trading through import & export of loose and packaged of all types of cement. Erection, operation management and rental of stores required for all kinds of cement for distribution. To own all means of transportation necessary for the company's activities. Trading in construction materials. Investing the surplus funds in financial portfolios managed by specialized institutions.

Top Universities in Kuwait

One of the major challenge for the education sector in Kuwait is demographics. Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) estimates the 1.1 mn strong Kuwaiti population to grow at an average 3% over the next 3 years. Meaning that for the foreseeable future, there will be large numbers of young people coming into an educational system that has not yet been geared up to prepare sufficiently for that increase in student population.

Bader Al-Humaidhi, former minister of finance argues that in the next ten years, Kuwait will have 350,000 Kuwaitis seeking jobs. If no jobs are found for those people, there will be sever social problems in the future.

Kuwait University, the largest publicly owned university in Kuwait, is undergoing a massive expansion. In addition to that number of private universtities such as American University of Kuwait and Australian College of Kuwait has sprunged up as a response for the growth in the number of students entering the university age.

Top Universities in Kuwait

 Kuwait University
Abdullatif Ahmad Al-Bader | Chairman
The number of students at KU has reached 32875 as they undergo intensive learning process, seeking advanced knowledge and personal fulfillment through enormous choices and opportunities for improvement and self-development. Facilitating this process are the institutional exceptional resources, e-systems and state-of-the-art technologies, providing a world class educational exposure which is necessary for strengthening the students scholastic foundations, as well as their educational, personal and social evolvement as refined, cultured and knowledgeable human beings. The administrative faculties of Kuwait University include 3723 employees qualified and trained regularly to enhance performance level.

Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST)  

Kuwait Institute for Medical Specialization (KIMS)

 American University of Kuwait
Dr. Winfred Thompson | President
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and coeducational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural, and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The language of instruction is English. Established by Amiri Decree 139 in 2003, AUK was accredited in 2006 and re-accredited in 2008, by the Private Universities Council, Ministry of Higher Education - State of Kuwait.
Interview: Education in Kuwait: American University of Kuwait (AUK)
Article: One of the Best Universities in Kuwait: American University of Kuwait

 The Australian College of Kuwait
Abdullah Abdul Mohsen Al Sharhan | President
The Australian College of Kuwait has been established under Kuwait Law 34/2000, governing private universities in Kuwait, to provide internationally recognized and accredited education and training to the Business, Engineering, and Maritime sectors. It was licensed by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education under Amiri Decree 141/2003 and commenced operation in October 2004.

    Private Universities' Council
Private universities' council is a government institution chaired by Minister of Higher Education and membership of 8 of experts and specialized in high education of those who shall have no direct or indirect contribution to any educational institution throughout the period of their membership . Such Members shall be appointed by an order of Council of Ministers upon presentation of Minister of High Education. Their appointment's period shall be for three years renewable for a similar one.

Top Retail Companies in Kuwait

According to BMI Kuwait’s nominal GDP is predicted to be US$159.3bn in 2011, with 2010’s growth rate of 1.9% expected to increase to 3.4% as the economy continues its recovery. Average annual GDP growth of 3.9% is forecasted between 2011 and 2015. With the population estimated to rise from 2.9mn in 2011 to 3.2mn by the end of the forecast period, GDP per capita is predicted to grow 12.6% to US$61,283 by 2015. This development should have positive effect on the retail sector in Kuwait. 

Property consultancy Colliers International expected Kuwait to have the third largest supply of retail space in the Gulf by 2010. The retail should continue to show strong growth mainly in electronics, vehicles, food and luxury products. Retail market in Kuwait is dominated by family owned trading companies. Despite the financial crisis Despite that, in FY 2008 the retail sector maintained a healthy average revenue growth of 17.90% on an annual basis according to Capital Standards.

The retail sector is considered as the second largest sector, in term of size, after the oil sector in the GCC region. The retail companies in Kuwait are listed within the KSE's service sector. From 59 companies in the service sector, there are 7 listed retail companies with different size and activities.

Top Food Retail Companies in Kuwait

Sultan Center
Tarek Sultan | Chairman
With retail as its primary focus, TSC is Kuwait’s largest independent retailer and a leading supplier of supermarket items, perishables, and general merchandise in the Middle East. The company holds a portfolio of companies mainly involved in wholesale and retail, and represents 40 international franchises in the Middle East. Major shareholders: Sultan Family

Top Pharmaceutical Retail Companies in Kuwait

Safwan
A pharmaceutical retailer was incorporated in 1963 and is a publicly listed company on the KSE. It operates as
a wholesaler & retailer in pharmaceutical, hospital & medical equipment. The major shareholders of the company are Al Mal Investment Company (47.36%) and the Investment Dar company (19.72%).
YIACO
YIACO Medical Company (formerly known as Yousef Ibrahim Alghanim and Company until March 2002), was
established in 1953. With an asset size of KWD 58.19 mn, YIACO is considered among one of the largest health care retailers operating in Kuwait.

Top Consumer Goods Retail Companies in Kuwait

 M.H. Alshaya
Mohammed Alshaya | Chairman 
Alshaya currently manages over 55 international brands and owns and operates over 2,200 outlets in 19 countries across the Middle East and North Africa, Russia, Turkey and Europe, employing approximately 28,000 people 
Assets: Rough Estimate USD 5 billion. 
 Al Ghanim Industries
Omar Al Ghanim | Chairman 
Alghanim Industries is one of the largest privately-owned companies in the Gulf region, predominantly in Kuwait. A multinational company in outlook with operations in 40 countries, Alghanim Industries is a multi-billion dollar conglomerate with more than 30 businesses.
Assets: Estimate USD 5-10 billion.
 Al-Sayer Group
The Al-Sayer Group is one of the major trading companies in Kuwait. We maintain a high reputation both in Kuwait and overseas. The Al-Sayer reputation as a leading business has been built up since 1954 when the company was first established to engage in general trading and car imports. Since then the company has been expanding and diversifying. The Group now has a wide range of exciting activities and companies. 
 Behbehani group
Ali Morad Behbehani | President 
One of the major Kuwaiti groups involved in many business ventures and areas.
Sultan Center
Tarek Sultan | Chairman
With retail as its primary focus, TSC is Kuwait’s largest independent retailer and a leading supplier of supermarket items, perishables, and general merchandise in the Middle East. The company holds a portfolio of companies mainly involved in wholesale and retail, and represents 40 international franchises in the Middle East. Major shareholders: Sultan Family

For the full list of companies follow the link.

Top Oil Companies in Kuwait

Introduction into the sector to better understand the context of the top oil companies in Kuwait.

The oil and gas sector (Energy) is the most important economic sector in Kuwait. Kuwait's economy heavily relies on oil which accounts for nearly half of its GDP, and over 90% of revenues. It also holds over 8.0% of the world's proven oil reserves (104 billion barrels ). Rise in oil prices have kept the national budget revenue steadily growing, but on the long term Kuwait's budget is unsustainable because of skyrocketing social and wage expenditures (over the last decade the expenditures increased by 400%). 

Oil and gas sector is practically controlled by the government through Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) and is closed for the International oil companies (IOC) beyond enhanced technical partnership agreement. KPC is vertically integrated through its subsidiaries.

Many contracting companies depend on major oil and gas projects in Kuwait such as the 4th refinery Al Zhour and others, however the constant strife between the government and the parliament is blocking development progress. Further challenge is to develop the Northern fields and especially gas fields as Kuwait is currently burning valuable oil for power generation. Power consumption will grow 2.5% a year. In addition to the Big companies there are smaller upstream and downstream oil and gas contractors.

Marcopolis presents oil companies in Kuwait.

Top Oil Companies in Kuwait

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC)
Farouk Al Zanki | CEO 
KPC is the largest corporation in Kuwait and 78th largest corporation in the world by revenues, larger than Deutsche Telecom, BMW, HSBC, Petronas, BHP Billiton, Microsoft, Boeing, Pfizer, Goldman Sachs, Lockheed Martin etc. KPC is has diverse business interests across the spectrum encompass all aspects of the hydrocarbon industry, from onshore and offshore upstream exploration through production and refining, marketing, retailing, petrochemicals, as well as, marine transportation. KPC has 10 subsidiaries (Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC),Petrochemical Industries Company, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company, Kuwait Aviation Fuelling Company, Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company, Kuwait Petroleum International, Kuwait Gulf Oil Company, Oil Services Company, Oil Development Company).
Assets: USD 74,5 billion (2010)

Top Upstream Oil and Gas Companies in Kuwait

Kuwait Oil Company (KOC)
Sami Al Rushaid | Chairman
KOC is the largest subsidiary of KPC accounting for approximately 70% of KPC. In 1934 the Kuwait Oil Company Ltd. was established by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, now known as the British Petroleum Company, and Gulf Oil Corporation, now known as Chevron Corporation.   The Company activities had extended to include exploration operations, on-shore and off-shore surveys, drilling of test wells, and developing of producing fields in addition to crude and natural gas exploration. 
Assets: Estimate USD 15-25 billion. 

Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company
Subsidiary of KPC engaged in exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas outside Kuwait.
Kuwait Gulf Oil Company
The Kuwait Gulf Oil Company (K.S.C) was founded on February 10, 2002 to represent the State of Kuwait in the Divided Zone. It began its primary role in that regard on January 5, 2003 when it took over the management of Kuwait DZ off shore area from the Arabian Oil Company Ltd. on the expiry of that company's concession agreement.

Private
Kuwait Energy
Sara Akbar | CEO
Kuwait Energy is one of the fastest growing independent oil and gas exploration and production companies in the Middle East.

Top Downstream Oil and Gas Companies in Kuwait

Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC)
Fahed Salem Al-Ajmi | Chairman
KNPC is the second largest subsidiary of KPC responsible for the downstream operations. It currently operates 3 refineries (Mina Abdullah Refinery, Mina Al Ahmadi Refinery and Shuaiba Refinery). 4th refinery Al Zhour, which is to become the largest in the world processing 600 000 barrels of oil a day is in the pipeline.
Assets: Estimate USD 9,3 billion
Kuwait Aviation Fuelling Company
Subsidiary of KPC.
Kuwait Petroleum International
Subsidiary of KPC. Q8 markets fuel via over 4,000 service stations across Europe and operates a direct sales operation, providing road fuel and heating oil. Our International Diesel Service is dedicated to the needs of international road transport companies; Q8Aviation provides jet fuel at more than 60 airports internationally and Q8 Oils manufactures and markets some of the world's finest lubricants.

Top Transporation Oil and Gas Companies in Kuwait

Kuwait Oil Tanker Company
Nabil M. Bourisli | Chairman
The Company is mainly involved in the ownership and management of tankers engaged in the transport of crude oil, refined petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gases (LPG).

Top Service Oil and Gas Companies in Kuwait

Oil Services Company
Oil sector services  company was established on 23 August , 2005 in the state of Kuwait as one of the specialized oil subsidiaries fully-owned by the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation ( KPC) to provide important supportive services that positively affect performance outcomes in oil sector.

Oil Development Company
Responsible for technical service agreements with IOCs. In 1991, a new three stage plan was presented which stressed the need for enrollment of the International Oil Companies in order to benefit from their technology and experience in the field of the development of Upstream Oil & Gas. 

Top Petrochemical Industrial Companies in Kuwait

The sector makes a significant contribution to the economy, accounting for around 12% of industrial GDP in 2009. Moreover, its contribution rose quickly, from a share of just 2% in 2001. Of course, the industrial sector's share of Kuwait's total GDP remains small, at under 10% according to NBK Capital.

Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC)
Maha Abdul Rahman Mulla Hussain | Chairman
PIC is the 3rd largest subsidiary of KPC with a mandate to operate petrochemical plants (Fertilizer plant, Polypropylene plant and Aromatics Complex).

Private

Qurain Petrochemical Industries
Mubarak Abdullah Al Mubarak Al Sabah | Chairman
Qurain Petrochemical Industries Company is part of the KIPCO Group . Established by Petrochemical Industries Company ("PIC") to encourage more private sector engagement in major petrochemical projects in Kuwait and the rest of the world and, hence, utilize the available wealth to set up local industries that add value to the national economy and provide job opportunities for the people of Kuwait. Stakes ( EQUATE, Kuwait Oilfins Company 6%, Kuwait Aromatics Company 20%, United Oil Projects Company)
Boubyan Petrochemical Company
Marzouq Ali Al Ghanim  | Chairman
Boubyan Petrochemical is the first private sector company in Kuwait to invest in the petrochemical sector. It was established in 1995 as a public shareholding company, with the core business activity being direct investments in industrial projects, particulary petrochemicals. Stakes (EQUATE 9%, Kuwait Olefins Company 9%, Boubyan Plastics Industries...etc)
Equate
Established in 1995, EQUATE is an international joint venture between Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC), The Dow Chemical Company (Dow), Boubyan Petrochemical Company (BPC) and Qurain Petrochemical Industries Company (QPIC). 

Top Oil and Gas Investment Companies in Kuwait

Aref Investment Group Company
Walid K. Al-Hashash | Chairman
AREF Energy Holding Company K.S.C.C. (AREF Energy), your investment partner in oil and gas services, was formed in September 2007 as a subsidiary of AREF Investment Group (AIG). On 29 December 2011, AIG sold 29% equity interest in AREF Energy to Development Enterprise Holding Company K.S.C. (Closed) (DEH), subsidiary of KFH.
On August 2012 DEH acquired additional 66.76% equity interest in AREF Energy from AIG and Others, in accordance with Capital Market Authority (CMA) Law No. 7 of 2010 and its Executive Regulations.
Consequently DEH is the new parent company by virtue of its holding 95.76% equity interest in AREF Energy and Kuwait Finance House (KFH) is the ultimate parent company. AREF Energy spearheads DEH’s objectives in the strategically important and fast growing energy business sector.
AREF Energy is listed on Kuwait Stock Exchange (ticker AREFEnrgy, formerly Excellent Education Co.) with a fully paid-up capital of KD 75 million.
AREF Energy has managed to acquire strategic stakes in a number of energy-related companies with operations geographically spreading over different regions. Islamic Sharia laws govern all of company’s current and future investments.
AREF Energy Credit Rating
Interview: Kuwait Oil Investments: Investing in Oil and Gas Technologies & Companies
Profile: AREF Energy | Investment Partner in Oil and Gas Services

Ikarus Petroleum Industries
Nader Hamad Sultan | Chairman
Ikarus is an investor in the Middle East energy industry. Ikarus was founded by National Industries Group (NIG) (Part of Kharafi Family Holding), the oldest and largest public sector industrial company in Kuwait. NIG retains a major shareholding in the company, giving Ikarus a solid financial backing. Investments: Sipchem, International Acetyl, International Vinyl Acetate.

Other Kuwait Oil and Gas Contracting Companies in Kuwait

 Kuwait Drilling Company
Kuwait Drilling Company provides a wide range of world-class well-drilling and related services to the oil gas extractive industries. The company engages in all aspects of drilling, deep exploration, medium and shallow drilling activities, as well as work-over services that enhance the productivity of existing oil wells.
 Triple E Corporation
The company is registered under Kuwaiti Commercial Law and operates through its subsidiary and associate companies covering Petroleum &Engineering Services, Infrastructure, Energy and Industrial Sector.
 Al-Fares Petro Services
Al-Fares Petro Services Est. (Kuwait) a well-organized solid company started its growth by becoming partners with one of the leading worldwide companies in the field of sealing technologies and its solutions.GARLOCK. Now part of the leading industrial process products group EnPro Industries Inc. (NYSE:NPO).
 National Petroleum Services Co. (NAPESCO)
Company providing cementing, simulation services, coiled tubing, nitrogen services, casing hardware, production & services tools, industrial cleaning services.
A.H. ALSAGAR &BROS
Abdulaziz Hamad Alsagar | Chairman
A.H. Al-Sagar participates in Oil & Gas Projects, equipment sales, tenders, inquiries and has excellent relations with the oil sector. Our company is appeared by all government and industrial authorities and with our excellent performance and proven track record, we are usually invited to bid for most supply projects fir the Oil & Gas sector in Kuwait.
 Kuwait Pipe Industries and Oil Services company (KPIOS)
Established as Kuwait Metal Pipe Industries in 1966, Kuwait Pipe Industries and Oil Services Company (KSC) and known in short as KPIOS, is internationally recognized as one of the world's leading pipe and pressure vessels manufacturers. 
 Safwan Petroleum Technologies Co. (SPETCO)
PETCO is firmly positioned as a total solutions provider to the Oil & Gas sector with a proven ability to resolve complex problems, across the value chain, from upstream to downstream production and process requirements including well testing, well diagnostics and PVT lab services.
 Al-Rashed Group for Projects Holding Co.
Al-Rashed Group for Projects Holding Company is one of Kuwait's leading family owned Groups. Through it's subsidiary companies Al-Rashed Holdings has a number of strategic divisions focusing on: Major Oil, Gas, Utilities Power and Infrastructure Projects; Building Materials, Oil Sector Services, Equipment Supply, and Logistics as well as number of smaller specialist business units. Through its operating divisions Al-Rashed Holdings has built an outstanding reputation in these key markets working with its partner international companies in the State of Kuwait and the wider Gulf Region.

Top Commercial Banks in Kuwait

Kuwait's banking sector is one of the strongest in the region with a supportive regulator. According to Capital Standards, there are a total of 10 local banks and 9 international banks currently operating in Kuwait. 

The main feature of the banking system in Kuwait is the dependence on the large scale public sector projects that are difficult to predict due to Kuwait's volatile political situation. The limited number of the lending opportunities in Kuwait emanating from low degree of diversification of the economy can put a downward pressure on profitability and increase the competition between banks.

Many banks are refocusing their strategies on retail segment instead of concentration on real estate and investment. Outlook for the sector depends on the implementation of the Kuwait Development Plan. A salient feature of the Kuwaiti banks is their mixed ownership structure, often the banks are owned by the big Kuwaiti families. Kuwait banking sector has relatively low number of banks due to strict regulations and difficult procedures (from 2004 maximum limit for any shareholder is at 5% of a bank's capital). For more information visit structure of Kuwait's Banking system.

Note: click here for Islamic banks in Kuwait, investment banks in Kuwait, foreign banks in Kuwait. 

Top Commercial Banks in Kuwait

National Bank of Kuwait (NBK)
Mohammed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar | Chairman
NBK was the first national bank in Kuwait and the entire Arabian Gulf region. All the board members and the founders of NBK were renowned merchants of Kuwaiti origin. NBK was established with a capital of 13,100 shares, each valued 1,000 Rupee equivalent to KD 75 today. Over the years NBK has proved itself to be a financial leader in the Arab world. NBK has a 30% market share. 
Assets: USD 47,6 billion in 2011  ( up 5% compared to September 2010 )
Gulf Bank
Omar Kutayba Alghanim | Chairman
Gulf Bank is Kuwait's second largest and fastest growing commercial bank and industry leading financial services provider.
Assets: USD 17,3 billion in 2011
Interview: Gulf Bank of Kuwait: 2nd Largest Bank in Kuwait
Article: Gulf Bank's "Rags-to-Riches-to-Rags-and-Back-to-Riches-Again" Storyline
Profile of Gulf Bank: Best and Fastest Service in Kuwait
Videos:
Project Finance and Kuwait's Development Plan
Retail Banking in Kuwait
Gulf Bank's Strategy
Gulf Bank's Performance in 2012
Gulf Bank's Governance
Differentiation of Gulf Bank in Kuwait
Corporate Banking in Kuwait
Competition in Kuwait's Banking Sector
Kuwait: Banking Sector in 2012-2013
Kuwait Banking: Non-Performing Loans in Kuwait 2012
Demand for Loans and Loan Loss Provisions in Kuwait 2012
Lending Opportunities for Kuwait's Banking Sector
 Burgan Bank
Majed Essa Al Ajeel | Chairman
Burgan Bank was established in 1977. KIPCO is currently Burgan's largest shareholder with 40% stake. Burgan bank is active in the region and completed its acquisition of 4 regional banks (Jordan Kuwait Bank, Algeria Gulf Bank, Bank of Baghdad and Tunis International Bank). The bank has a network of 25 domestic branches. 
Assets of the Group: USD 15,4 billion in 2011
Commercial Bank of Kuwait (Al Tijari Bank)
Ali Yousef Al Awadhi | Chairman
Established on 19th June 1960, Commercial Bank is the second oldest Bank in Kuwait. From retail banking to mega project finance, CBK is mobilizing its substantial capital base and decades of expertise to assume a cutting edge role in Kuwait economy.
Assets: USD 13,3 billion in 2011
Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait
Ahmed Yousuf Behbehani | Chairman
Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait is the 4th largest bank in Kuwait by assets with roughly 7% market share of total assets. The bank was established in 1967 by the Behbehani group. The group currently owns 24% of the bank's total share capital.
Assets: USD 10,3 billion in 2011

Top Specialized Banks in Kuwait

Industrial Bank of Kuwait
IBK was established in 1973 to promote industrial development, primarily in Kuwait, but also throughout the Gulf region in general. However, non-Kuwait lending remains minimal. The Bank's main shareholders at the end of 2010 included the Government of Kuwait (31.39%) and three governmental entities, Wafra International Investment Company (13.57%), the Central Bank of Kuwait (12.56%), and the Public Institution for Social Security (5.16%). 
Assets of the Group: USD 2.1 billion in 2010

Top Banking Institutions in Kuwait

Central Bank of Kuwait
H.E. Sheikh Salem AbdulAziz Al-Sabah | Governor
The Central Bank of Kuwait was established in 1969 with a mission to lay the foundations and maintain a flexible and stable monetary financial system in the State of Kuwait.
Kuwait Banking Association

Top Islamic Banks in Kuwait

Kuwait banking sector is one of the strongest in the region with a supportive regulator. According to Capital Standards, there are a total of 10 local banks and 9 international banks currently operating in Kuwait.

In 2010 in terms of the share of Islamic banking industry by country, Kuwait's Islamic banking sector accounted for 34.3 percent of the country's total banking assets. Kuwait ranked first among the GCC countries in terms of total assets while Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have risen among the countries that promote Islamic finance products and services, according to the report issued by KFH Research Ltd. For more information visit structure of Kuwait Banking system.

Top Islamic Banks in Kuwait

Kuwait Finance House
Mohammed Sulaiman Al-Omar | CEO
KFH was established in 1977. With total assets of $48 billion on Sept. 30, 2011, KFH is the largest bank in Kuwait. KFH has roughly 31% market share of total asset in Kuwait. KFH successfully expanded in the region and now has presence in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Malaysia, the Cayman Islands and Turkey. KFH has 212 branches globally and 15 consolidated subsidiaries. The Kuwait Investment Authority holds the largest stake in KFH (24%). The bank is rated by international agencies S&P, Moody's and Fitch as A-, Aa3 and A+.
Assets: USD 48 billion in 2011 
Boubyan Bank
Ibrahim Al-Qadhi | Chairman
Boubyan Bank is a Kuwaiti bank established in 2004 by Amiri Decree No. 88 with a paid-up capital of 100 million Kuwaiti Dinars. In 2010 NBK raised its stake in Boubyan Bank to 27.5% after acquiring 13.2% of the KIA's holding in the Islamic bank.
Assets: USD 5,4 billion in 2011
International Bank of Kuwait
Abdulwahab Mohammed Al Wazzan | Chairman
Kuwait International Bank [KIB], a bank that operates according to the Islamic Shari’ah from 1st of July 2007, is a public quoted company.  Co-established as Kuwait Real Estate Bank (KREB) in 1973, by the Founder & Chairman of the Bukhamseen Group. KIB is in the process of expanding from its current seven branches to over 20, and currently offers a full range of Islamic retail and commercial banking products.  Al Hoda for Hotels & Tourism Co. owned by the Bu Khamseen Holding owns 17% share in the bank.
Assets: USD 4 billion in 2011
Al Ahli United Bank
Fahad Al-Rajaan | Chairman
AUB is a fully-fledged commercial institution and investment bank
Assets of the Group: USD 27.6 billion in 2011 (USD 9 billion in Kuwait)
Warba Bank
Al-Rajhi Bank
Abdullah Sulaiman Al Rajhi | Chairman
Subsidiary of Al Rajhi Bank, established in 1957, is the largest Islamic banking group in the world with Total Assets of around USD 46 Billion.
Assets of the Group: USD 46 Billion in 2011

Top Foreign Banks in Kuwait

Kuwaiti banks face less competition from the foreign banks due to the protective nature of the regulator. This situation is unlikely to change in the future. Well established large Kuwaiti banks should continue to dominante the sector. For more information visit structure of Kuwait Banking system.

Top Foreign Banks in Kuwait

Bank of BNP Paribas
National Bank of Abu Dhabi (Branch)
Qatar National Bank
Mashreq Bank
Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait
Bank of HSBC Middle-East
Citibank
Doha Bank
BankMuscat

Top Islamic Investment Companies in Kuwait

According to Capital Standards, "There are a total of 100 investment companies operating in Kuwait with 54 operating within the confines of the Islamic Sharia provisions and the rest operating as conventional investment companies." Some of these companies are listed as well under asset management comapnies, investment banks and investment holding companies. Here is the structure of Kuwait Banking system.
The sector has been hit hard by the financial crisis and non-internventionist policy by the government. The investment companies face many challenges. The sector will continue to restructure the depts and deleverage. For the complete list of investment companies click here. Many Islamic investment companies are subsidiaries of or large groups and banks in Kuwait.

Note: In accordance with Law No. 7 of the year 2010 concerning the establishment of the Capital Markets Authority and the Regulation of Securities' Activity and Ministerial Decision No. 38 of the year 2011 regarding the organization of the Central Bank of Kuwait's (CBK) supervision of finance companies, the regulation of investment companies has shifted from CBK to the Capital Markets Authority as of 13th September 2011. Therefore, CBK's role toward these companies is now confined to the supervision of their practiced financial activity.

Top Islamic Investment Companies in Kuwait

The Investment Dar Company
The Investment Dar Company is the largest Islamic investment company in Kuwait. Moreover, EFAD Holding has interest in the company. EFAD Holding belongs to Al Humaidhi family and it is one of the largest diversified investment holding companies in Kuwait.

AREF Energy Holding Co.
Walid K. Al-Hashash | Chairman
AREF Energy Holding Company K.S.C.C. (AREF Energy), your investment partner in oil and gas services, was formed in September 2007 as a subsidiary of AREF Investment Group (AIG). On 29 December 2011, AIG sold 29% equity interest in AREF Energy to Development Enterprise Holding Company K.S.C. (Closed) (DEH), subsidiary of KFH.
On August 2012 DEH acquired additional 66.76% equity interest in AREF Energy from AIG and Others, in accordance with Capital Market Authority (CMA) Law No. 7 of 2010 and its Executive Regulations. Consequently DEH is the new parent company by virtue of its holding 95.76% equity interest in AREF Energy and Kuwait Finance House (KFH) is the ultimate parent company. AREF Energy spearheads DEH’s objectives in the strategically important and fast growing energy business sector.
AREF Energy is listed on Kuwait Stock Exchange (ticker AREFEnrgy, formerly Excellent Education Co.) with a fully paid-up capital of KD 75 million.
AREF Energy has managed to acquire strategic stakes in a number of energy-related companies with operations geographically spreading over different regions. Islamic Sharia laws govern all of company’s current and future investments.
Rating: AREF Energy Credit Rating
Interview: Kuwait Oil Investments: Investing in Oil and Gas Technologies & Companies
Profile: AREF Energy | Investment Partner in Oil & Gas Services

Gulf Investment House Company
Al-Muthanna Investment Company 
Subsidiary of KFH
Liquidity Management House for Investment Company K.S.C.C
Subsidiary of KFH 
Al-Imtiaz Investment Company (A.I.I.C)
Al-Imtiaz is the result of a successful partnership between a distinguished group of well-established institutions, government organisations, companies and a number of investors. Shareholders.
Al-Madina for Finance and Investment
Al-Ritaj Investment Company
Manafae Investment Company
Manafae Investment Company (Manafae) was established in May 2005 as a Kuwaiti shareholding closed company K.S.C. as the result of an alliance between Al Imtiaz, and Kuwait Projects Company for Asset Management (KAMCO).
Tijari Investment Company
Warba Investment Company
Adeem Investment & Wealth Management 
Adeem Investment & Wealth Management falls under EFAD Holding. EFAD Holding belongs to Al Humaidhi family and it is one of the largest diversified investment holding companies in Kuwait.

Top Asset Management Companies in Kuwait

According to Capital Standards, "There are a total of 100 investment companies operating in Kuwait with 54 operating within the confines of the Islamic Sharia provisions and the rest operating as conventional investment companies." Some of these companies offer asset management services. "The GCC Asset Management Industry, with roughly 100 asset management companies, manages approximately USD 29bn in assets in about 325 funds as of 31st March 2011. Geographically, Saudi Arabia country funds account for 62% of the total, followed by Kuwait country funds with 19% share" says Markaz in its latest GCC asset management report. 

Top Asset Management Companies in Kuwait

KAMCO
Abdullah Nasser Al-Sabah | Chairman
Established in 1998 with the mission to significantly alter the local and regional investment landscape, KAMCO is a premier investment company based in Kuwait. A subsidiary of United Gulf Bank (UGB) – the investment banking subsidiary of Kuwait Projects (Holding) Company (KIPCO) – KAMCO was listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) in 2003.
KAMCO's Asset Management Division specializes in customized portfolio management, access to IPOs, and local and international fund management. The Investment Advisory and Research Division tracks the latest directions and trends across regional and local economies as well as equity markets and offers a range of customized services that focus on maximizing returns, mitigating risks, and maintaining capital appreciation for individual and institutional clients. The Company's Financial Services and Investment Division offers a full range of advisory services on mergers and acquisitions, underwriting, private placements, debt issuance and restructuring, and private equity management.
Assets under management: USD 7,4 billion
Interview: Kuwait Capital Market 2012: CMA, Outlook, Equities, Bonds
Videos: KAMCO: Investment Strategy for 2012; Kuwait: Capital Markets Outlook 2012; Kuwait's Capital Markets Authority: Overview and Expectations
National Investments Company
Yousef Sultan Al-Majid | Chairman 
NIC's activities include fund and portfolio management, corporate finance, private equity, real estate investments and treasury services. NIC is one of the largest asset management companies in Kuwait, with a market capitalization of KD 175 million. Kuwait's NIC is a part of the Kharafi Group and owns a significant stake at Zain.
Assets under management: USD 10.24 billion.  
 Wafra Investment Advisory Group
Mohamad W. Khouja | Chairman  
Founded in 1985, Wafra is an investment management company offering an extensive range of investment services including portfolio securities management, direct equity, real estate and other structured products management. Wafra also manages a series of alternative investment products and has a private asset management division. Wafra manages the assets of Kuwait's Public Institution for Social Security.
Assets under management: USD 10 billion.  
Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz)
Diraar Yusuf Alghanim | Chairman & Managing Director 
Kuwait Financial Centre 'Markaz' was established in 1974, and has become one of the leading asset management and investment banking institutions in the Arab region. The company was listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) in 1997. Markaz offers full fledged services in asset management and investment banking. Asset management services offered by the company include Investment Advisory Services, GCC & International Investments and Private Equities.
Assets under management: USD 3.64 Billion.
Global Investment House
Maha K. Al-Ghunaim | Chairperson and Managing Director
Global Investment House (Global) is a Kuwaiti investment company licensed by the Central Bank of Kuwait and listed on the Kuwait, Dubai, Bahrain and London Stock Exchanges. Since its inception in 1998, Global has effectively provided investment solutions to its wide client base and played a noticeable role in the development of the regional capital markets. Global is one of the leading Asset Management, Investment Banking and Brokerage companies in the MENA region.
Assets under management: USD 5,1 Billion.
NBK Capital
Isam J. Al-Sager | Chairman
NBK Capital was established in 2005 as the investment banking arm of National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), NBK Capital delivers an array of financial solutions in four principal business disciplines Alternative Investments, Asset Management, Brokerage & Research and Investment Banking.
Assets under management: USD 10.2 billion.

Top Investment Banks in Kuwait

According to Capital Standards, "There are a total of 100 investment companies operating in Kuwait with 54 operating within the confines of the Islamic Sharia provisions and the rest operating as conventional investment companies." The Central Bank of Kuwait does issue investment companies licences. View the list of some of the major investment companies (that offer investment banking services). According to Central Bank of Kuwait the total assets of the conventional investment companies stood at USD 24 billion and Islamic investment companies at USD 19.8 billion in 2011. To view the list of investment companies click here.

Top Investment Banks in Kuwait

Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz)
Diraar Yusuf Alghanim | Chairman & Managing Director 
Kuwait Financial Centre 'Markaz' was established in 1974, and has become one of the leading asset management and investment banking institutions in the Arab region. The company was listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) in 1997. Markaz offers full fledged services in asset management and investment banking. Asset management services offered by the company include Investment Advisory Services, GCC & International Investments and Private Equities.
Assets under management: USD 3.64 Billion.
KAMCO
Abdullah Nasser Al-Sabah | Chairman 
Established in 1998 with the mission to significantly alter the local and regional investment landscape, KAMCO is a premier investment company based in Kuwait. A subsidiary of United Gulf Bank (UGB) – the investment banking subsidiary of Kuwait Projects (Holding) Company (KIPCO) – KAMCO was listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) in 2003.
KAMCO’s Asset Management Division specializes in customized portfolio management, access to IPOs, and local and international fund management. The Investment Advisory and Research Division tracks the latest directions and trends across regional and local economies as well as equity markets and offers a range of customized services that focus on maximizing returns, mitigating risks, and maintaining capital appreciation for individual and institutional clients. The Company’s Financial Services and Investment Division offers a full range of advisory services on mergers and acquisitions, underwriting, private placements, debt issuance and restructuring, and private equity management.
Assets under management: USD 7,4 billion
Interview: Kuwait Capital Market 2012: CMA, Outlook, Equities, Bonds
Videos: KAMCO: Investment Strategy for 2012; Kuwait: Capital Markets Outlook 2012; Kuwait's Capital Markets Authority: Overview and Expectations
Global Investment House
Maha K. Al-Ghunaim | Chairperson and Managing Director
Global Investment House (Global) is a Kuwaiti investment company licensed by the Central Bank of Kuwait and listed on the Kuwait, Dubai, Bahrain and London Stock Exchanges. Since its inception in 1998, Global has effectively provided investment solutions to its wide client base and played a noticeable role in the development of the regional capital markets. Global is one of the leading Asset Management, Investment Banking and Brokerage companies in the MENA region.
Assets under management: USD 5,1 Billion.
NBK Capital
Isam J. Al-Sager | Chairman
NBK Capital was established in 2005 as the investment banking arm of National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), NBK Capital delivers an array of financial solutions in four principal business disciplines Alternative Investments, Asset Management, Brokerage & Research and Investment Banking.
Assets under management: USD 10.2 billion.

Top Islamic Investment Banks in Kuwait

 Kuwait Finance House
Mohammed Sulaiman Al-Omar | CEO
KFH was established in 1977. With total assets of $48 billion on Sept. 30, 2011, KFH is the largest bank in Kuwait. KFH has roughly 31% market share of total asset in Kuwait. KFH successfully expanded in the region and now has presence in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Malaysia, the Cayman Islands and Turkey. KFH has 212 branches globally and 15 consolidated subsidiaries. The Kuwait Investment Authority holds the largest stake in KFH (24%). The bank is rated by international agencies S&P, Moody's and Fitch as A-, Aa3 and A+.
Assets: USD 48 billion in 2011
 Investment Dar
Adnan Al-Musallam | Chairman
Investment Dar has diverse shareholder base with over 800 prominent and respected individuals and institutions mainly from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman.
Assets: USD 3-4 billion in 2011.

Top Investment Companies in Kuwait

According to Capital Standards, "There are a total of 100 investment companies operating in Kuwait with 54 operating within the confines of the Islamic Sharia provisions and the rest operating as conventional investment companies." Some of these companies are listed as well under asset management companies, investment banks and investment holding companies. Here is the structure of Kuwait Banking system. The sector has been hit hard by the financial crisis and non-interventionist policy by the government. The investment companies face many challenges. The sector will continue to restructure the depts and deleverage. For the complete list of investment companies click here.

Note: In accordance with Law No. 7 of the year 2010 concerning the establishment of the Capital Markets Authority and the Regulation of Securities' Activity and Ministerial Decision No. 38 of the year 2011 regarding the organization of the Central Bank of Kuwait's (CBK) supervision of finance companies, the regulation of investment companies has shifted from CBK to the Capital Markets Authority as of 13th September 2011. Therefore, CBK's role toward these companies is now confined to the supervision of their practiced financial activity.

Top Investment Companies in Kuwait

Kipco Asset Management Company (KAMCO)
National Investments Company
Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz)
Global Investment House
Kuwait Investment Company
Commercial Facilities Company
International Financial Advisors Company
Gulf Investment Corporation
Arab Investment Company
Tijari Investment Company
Kuwait China Investment Company
 Noor Financial Investment Company
National Industries Group Holding hold 50% of Noor investment company. 
Assets: USD 950 million
 Bayan Investment Company
 Tamdeen Investment Company
 Wafra International Investment Company
 Wafra Investment Advisory Group
Mohamad W. Khouja | Chairman  
Founded in 1985, Wafra is an investment management company offering an extensive range of investment services including portfolio securities management, direct equity, real estate and other structured products management. Wafra also manages a series of alternative investment products and has a private asset management division. Wafra manages the assets of Kuwait's Public Institution for Social Security.
Assets under management: USD 10 billion.  

Top Financial Markets  Institutions in  Kuwait

Kuwait Stock Exchange
The Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) is the national stock market of The State of Kuwait. Although several share holding companies (such as NBK in 1952) existed in Kuwait prior to the creation of the KSE, it was not until October 1962 that a law was passed to organize the country's stock market.

According to KAMCO research latest report, market capitalization amounted to KWD 29 bn  (US$104 bn) down from KWD 36 bn (US$ 130,6 bn) in 2010. Kuwait Stock Exchange lists 215 companies spanning across 10 sectors. The largest sectors by company composition are the services and investment, with 61 and 52 companies respectively, followed by the real estate and industries, each comprising of 18.0% and 13.0% of the total number of listed companies and by value the list is topped by services, followed by banking and food related companies.

Kuwait Capital Market Authority
Parliament approved a bill to create the CMA, the country's first stock-market regulator, in February 2010.  CMA regulations should  transform into forceful laws, adding much needed transparency and trust to Kuwait's financial system. Often the companies listed on the KSE have are implicated in a convoluted, opaque ownership schemes and many argue that there has been many cases of insider trading and tunneling of the listed companies.

Top Investment Holding Companies in Kuwait

According to Capital Standards,"Kuwait has the largest number of holding companies listed on the local stock exchange amongst the GCC stock exchanges. This can be mainly attributed to the size of the KSE (largest in terms of listed companies) and the prominence of the investment activities in Kuwait. At the end of October 2011, the number of Kuwaiti holding companies increased to 40, in comparison to 38 listed companies at the end of September 2009."

The majority of Kuwaiti companies is owned or co-owned by the 31 most powerful Kuwaiti families such as ( Sabah (rulers), Kharafi, Al-Ghanim, Bukhanseen, Behbehani, Al-Bahar, Al-Mulla, Al-Shaya, Al-Humaidhi, Mutawa, Khazemi, Sultan, Al-Wazzan, Al-Roumi, Al-Zahem, Al-Sayer, Al-Sagar, Al-Khalid, Al-Khaled, Al-Hamad, Othman, Boodai, Marzouq, Al-Nafisi, Al-Rashdan, Al-Rashed, Al-Nafisi). According to Arabian Business "GCC families hold on average between 19% and 30% of company board seats," said TNI in its report. The companies in Kuwait are often tied up in a convoluted ownership schemes.  

Top Investment Holding Companies & Family Owned Conglomerates in Kuwait

Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA)
Bader Al Saad | Managing Director 
The Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) is an autonomous government body responsible for the management and administration of the Genebural Reserve Fund (GRF), and the assets of the Future Generations Fund (FGF), as well as any other funds entrusted to it by the Minister of Finance for and on behalf of the State of Kuwait. KIA invests in the Local, Arab and International Markets with its main office located in Kuwait City and a branch office in London, UK. KIA is by far the largest company by assets. Kuwait transfers 10% of oil revenue into the Reserve for Future Generations each year, which is the overall responsibility KIA in Kuwait, the parent organization of the Kuwait Investment Office.
Investments: (23% Victoria-Jungfrau Collection AG, 16% Gulf Bank, 12% Arab Insurance Group, 9% Jordan Phosphate Mines, 5% Daimler AG, 6% Citigroup, 1.7% British Petrol, KFH, Zain)
Assets: USD 300 billion (2010)

Kuwait Projects (KIPCO)
Faisal Hamad Al Ayyar | Vice Chairman 
KIPCO is one of the largest investment holding companies in the region. The majority stake in KIPCO is held by Kuwait's ruling family. KIPCO has investments in more than 60 companies. Among them: Burgan Bank, United Real Estate Company, KAMCO and Gulf Insurance Company.
Assets: USD 20 billion (2010)

M.A. Kharafi & Sons
Bader Kharafi | Chairman
With an annual turnover exceeding US$5 Billion the M.A. Kharafi Group operates in more than 25 countries around the world and has more than 120,000 employees. Stakes: the group owns a 12.7-20 percent stake in Zain, Kharafi National, National Investment Co., National Industries Group, Kuwait Food Co. The group's interests span from real estate, retail to financial services, but these were hit hard by the financial crisis and it has direct and indirect liabilities likely to total at least $5 billion.
Assets: Estimate USD 15-25 billion

National Industries Company
Sa,ad Mohammad Al-Sa'ad | Chairman
National Industries Group Holding (NIG) is one of the largest listed investment holding companies in Kuwait. It was established in 1984. Today, NIG manages several and manifold activities in investment and shares, in Building Materials, Petrochemicals, Oil & Gas Services, Mechanical Industries, Utilities, Real estate Infrastructure, and Financial Services. Major shareholders include MA Kharafi and Sons Company.
Assets: USD 5,7 billion (2010)

Al Ghanim Industries
Omar Al Ghanim | Chairman
Alghanim Industries is one of the largest privately-owned companies in the Gulf region, predominantly in Kuwait. A multinational company in outlook with operations in 40 countries, Alghanim Industries is a multi-billion dollar conglomerate with more than 30 businesses. Stakes: Gulf Bank etc.
Assets: Estimate USD 5-10 billion

The Bukhamseen Group of Companies
Jawad Ahmed Bukhamseen | Chairman
Bukhamseen hasdiversified further into hospitality,manufacturing, banking and insurance. It ownes stakes in more than 30 companies. Bukhamseen Group is the most diversified holding in Kuwait. Companies: Kuwait International Bank, Arab Investment Company, Warba Insurance Company.
Assets: Estimate USD 7,25 billion

Al-Bahar Group of Companies
Sa,ad Mohammad Al-Sa'ad | Chairman
Al-Bahar Group of Companies is one of the largest and most successful business concerns in the state of Kuwait, owned by Mr. Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar, a well known and reputable Kuwaiti businessman. Mr. Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar is the Chairman of the Al-Bahar Group, as well as the chairman of the National Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait's leading Bank. Al-Bahar Group owns International Financial Advisors.
Assets: Rough Estimate USD 4 billion

Sultan Family
Tareq Sultan | Chairman
Sultan family ownes significant stakes at Sultan Center (Kuwait's largest independent retailer) and Agility Logistics (Largest Logistics company in Kuwait).

Mezzan Holding
Khalid Jasim Alwazzan | Chairman
Founded in 1999, Mezzan Holding Company is considered to be one of the largest diversified conglomerates in the Middle East. Together with its affiliated companies, Mezzan Holding Company has been a market leader in providing quality agriculture and consumer manufacturing, distribution, and recycling services for over half a century.
Assets: Rough Estimate USD 1-2 billion

M.H. Alshaya
Mohammed Alshaya | Chairman
Alshaya currently manages over 55 international brands and owns and operates over 2,200 outlets in 19 countries across the Middle East and North Africa, Russia, Turkey and Europe, employing approximately 28,000 people.
Assets: Rough Estimate USD 5 billion

Action Group Holdings
Souad M. Al-Sabah | Chairperson
Action Group Holdings (K.S.C.C.) (AGH) is a leading private Kuwait-based holding company established in 1998. With financial interests in both private and public companies, the Group also invests significantly in alternative investments such as real estate and private equity.The group holds stakes in Global Investment House, INVESTCORP, Housing Finance Company etc.
Assets: Rough Estimate USD 2-5 billion

Fouad Alghanim & Sons Group
Fouad M.T. Alghanim | Charman
Fouad Alghanim & Sons Group is a group of around 46 companies, established since 1960, and have been engaged in an increasing number of diverse commercial enterprises which include direct representation of multi-national commercial contractors and manufactures, Automotive, Civil construction and contracting, Installation and maintenance of all forms of Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic equipments, Investment, Aviation, hotel ownership, Telecommunications engineering and management, Real estate developments, industrial production and general contracting on both the local and international arenas.
Assets: Rough Estimate USD 1-3 billion

Efad Holding
Waleed Al Humaidhi | Deputy Chairman
The holding is a consoidation of the Humaidhi and Al Roumi's family holdings. Subsidiaries: Adeem Investment Co. Investment Dar, Efad Trading.
Assets: Rough Estimate USD 1-2 billion

Al Mulla Group
Anwar A. Al Mulla | Deputy Chairman
Al Mulla Group is one of the largest privately owned businesses in Kuwait and the Gulf region. With over 10,000 employees, over 30 different Group companies and subsidiaries, operating in 8 different countries and affiliations with over 200 international brands.
Assets: Rough Estimate USD 1-2 billion

A.H. Al Sagar & Bros 
Abdulaziz Hamad Alsagar | Chairman
A.H. Al-Sagar participates in Oil & Gas Projects, equipment sales, tenders, inquiries and has excellent relations with the oil sector. Our company is appeared by all government and industrial authorities and with our excellent performance and proven track record, we are usually invited to bid for most supply projects fir the Oil & Gas sector in Kuwait.

Al Zahem Group
Faisal Al Zahem | Chairman
AL ZAHEM INTERNATIONAL GROUP is an ISO 9001-2008 certified company, established in 1991 to provide the Oil, Energy & Industrial Sectors in Kuwait with Specialty Products and Services.

Marafie Group
With generations of experience in seafaring trade, the Marafies, a name synonymous with integrity honesty, loyalty and prestige progressively streamlined their family business activities. In 1919 Mohammad Rafie Husain Marafie the third generation member of the Marafie family founded Mohammad Rafie Husain Marafie Company which served as the foundation for the present day Marafie Group. His vision and farsightedness had inspired the transforming of earlier trading activities into an organized business.

Boodai Group
Boodai Trading Company, the oldest company in Boodai Corporation, was established in the mid 1950's, initially to supply essential tools and other equipment to the nascent and burgeoning Kuwait oil exploration industry.

Rashdan Group
Rashdan Group established in 1962, Mr. Marzooq Al Rashdan was the Deputy General Manager back then, Rashdan Group had businesses in real estate, and building materials.

Al-Sayer Group
The Al-Sayer Group is one of the major trading companies in Kuwait. We maintain a high reputation both in Kuwait and overseas. The Al-Sayer reputation as a leading business has been built up since 1954 when the company was first established to engage in general trading and car imports. Since then the company has been expanding and diversifying. The Group now has a wide range of exciting activities and companies.

Behbehani group
Ali Morad Behbehani | President
One of the major Kuwaiti groups involved in many business ventures and areas.

 Al-Rashed Group for Projects Holding Co.
Al-Rashed Group for Projects Holding Company is one of Kuwait's leading family owned Groups. Through it's subsidiary companies Al-Rashed Holdings has a number of strategic divisions focusing on: Major Oil, Gas, Utilities Power and Infrastructure Projects; Building Materials, Oil Sector Services, Equipment Supply, and Logistics as well as number of smaller specialist business units. Through its operating divisions Al-Rashed Holdings has built an outstanding reputation in these key markets working with its partner international companies in the State of Kuwait and the wider Gulf Region.

Top Hospitals in Kuwait

The public sector is the largest provider of Healthcare in Kuwait and constitutes around 90% of the market in number of beds and services. The trend to shift the services from the public sector to the private, in the areas where the pubic is not efficient enough (plastic surgery).

The public sector provides primary, secondary and tertiary services whereas the private sector focuses on primary and secondary. The private sector is booming and more hospitals are being constructed driven by the demand. The big corporations are shifting towards private sector healthacare and provide their employees with the insurance. The government provides comprehensive advanced health services for all nationals free of charge. It also avails the same for expatriates for considerably symbolic charges. Several hospitals and health clinics are established and supported with physicians in different specializations, The total number is 21 hospitals, 6 of which are. General hospital and 15 are specialized hospitals.

The majority of the private sector hospitals are family owned. Kuwait is reforming its healthcare system through various channels, and the KDP is allocating millions of dollars toward a very ambitious plan to increase the amount of hospital beds by 3,565 (60%). There are about 82 primary health centres spread over the country and Secondary healthcare services are provided by the six major hospitals: Sabah hospital, Amiri hospital, Adan hospital, Farwaniya hospital, Mubarak Al-Kabeer hospital and Jahra hospital.

In addition to that there are 13 private hospitals with the capacity of 964 beds (6 of which contain over 100 beds, and 7 of which contain less than 100 beds). Kuwait has only 19 beds per 10000 people compared to 39 in the UK. in March 2011, the government officially launched the Kuwait Health Assurance Company (KHAC), a PPP deemed one of the Middle East's biggest healthcare companies, to handle medical insurance hospitals in the country. The majority of expats employed in the private sector—who currently seek healthcare attention in public hospitals and clinics—will instead be covered by the KHAC's three new hospitals and 15 private clinics, which should be operational by 2015. Likewise, Kuwaiti citizens will also be allowed to use the private hospitals free of charge, creating a complimentary service and increasing levels of efficiency.

Jaber Hospital, which will be one of the largest projects in the Middle East.

Top Specialized Medical Institutions in Kuwait

Dasman Diabetes Institute
Dr. Kazem Behbehani | Director General
Founded by by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science to prevent, control and mitigate the impact of diabetes and related conditions in Kuwait through effective programs of research, training, education, treatment, and health promotion and thereby improve quality of life in the population. Dasman Diabetes Institute is respected world-wide for its well-organized efforts to combine world-class expertise with effective social outreach in Kuwait. a unique institution in the world. Kuwait has the 3rd highest incidence of Diabetes in the world. Non-communicable diseases accounted for more than 60% of the diseases in Kuwait.
Interview: Diabetes in Kuwait: Kuwait`s No. 1 Health Problem
Article: Diabetes in Kuwait: Special Report on Alarming Rates of Diabetes

Top Private Sector Hospitals in Kuwait

 Al Salam Hospital
Is the largest private sector hospital. Al-Salam International Hospital is a 169 bedded hospital, providing Obstetric Gynecology, Surgical, Medical, Pediatric and Critical Care Services. As a commitment to its logo statement "Excellence in Patient Care" and utilizing the Accreditation Canada Performance Improvement Standards as a mean of fulfilling the organizational mission and vision, SIH ensures the acquisition of state-of-art technology, recruitment of highly qualified and trained clinical and non-clinical workforce, provision of continuing education programs and keep abreast with .evidence-based practice. Al Salam hospital is a subsidiary of the KFH.

 Hadi Hospital
With 7370 operations (18% market share) Hadi Hospital is considered the 2th largest private hospital in Kuwait.

 Dar Al Shifa Hospital
With 5128 operations (12% market share) in 2010, Dar Al-Shifa is considered 3rd-4th largest private hospital in Kuwait. In 2003, Dar Al-Shifa Hospital moved to a 17,000 square meters building in Hawally City run by a team of American and European experienced medical experts, comprising a one-day Surgery Ward, five Imperial Suites, fifteen Royal Suites, 55 Special Suites, eight Labor Rooms, six Operating Theaters and 45 Outpatients Clinics.

  New Mowasat Hospital
With 5303 operations (13% market share) in 2010, New Mowasat is considered 3rd-4th largest private hospital in Kuwait. The New Mowasat Hospital was established in 1965. Ever since, the hospital has grown to become a leading provider of premium healthcare in Kuwait. The hospital is owned by Mowasat Healthcare Company (MHC) which is a publicly traded company on the Kuwait Stock Exchange. MHC is the healthcare arm of Nafais Holding Company which is focused on being the market leader within the Arabian Gulf in each of the business segments that they operate in.

  Royale Hayat
With 2303 operations (6% market share) in 2010, Royale Hayat is considered 5th largest private hospital in Kuwait.
  Tiba Hospital
With 2159 operations (5% market share) in 2010, Tiba Hospital is considered 6th largest private hospital in Kuwait.

Al-Seef Hospital
Not ranked. Al Seef Hospital began service in 2009. Committed to delivering the best health care in the region, we are driven to establish a new benchmark in health services, providing a wide range of specialized services to the Kuwaiti families.

Top Public Hospitals in Kuwait

 Al Sabah Hospital
One of the largest public sector hospitals, Al Sabah Hospital includes 506 beds was serving 20823 inpatients & 578454 outpatients staff.
 Al-Amiri Hospital
Al-Amiri is a general hospital in Safat. The hospital is equipped with an outpatient service and serves around 400000 people.  
 Farwaniya hospital
 Mubarak Al-Kabeer
Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital is a general hospital built in Jabriya, Kuwait in 1982. The hospital was named after Shiekh Mubarak Al-Kabeer Al-Sabah. It serves the Hawalli Governorate and covers about 700,000 people in the area.
 Jahra hospital

Top Health Care Providers 

United Medical Services
Dr.Abdul Rahim Fahed Al-Zaid | CEO
The UMS was founded in 2003 to invest and improve the quality of the private healthcare sector in Kuwait by providing comprehensive range of medical services as per the International health standards. Currently, the International Health Services Company (IHS) ,Maidan Clinics, Al-Seef Hospital and the United Laboratories Company (ULC) got a big number of patients which is expected to increase to more than doubled; thus making our group the leader provider for private healthcare services in the region. Ownership ( Al Zumorrodah Holding Co & KIPCO)

Top Telecoms in Kuwait

The Kuwait telecom industry is relatively mature and advanced, with high penetration rates and per spending capita. Nevertheless, the country's penetration rates are lowest among the Gulf countries, indicating opportunities for further growth potential, reports Capital Standards. Penetrations rates: Fixed line 16.5%, Mobile 141% (number of subscribers reaching 3.56 million and increase of 10.7%, as compared to 3.22 mm subscribers at the end of 2008 according to Kuwait Internet and E-commerce Investment and Business Guide), Internet 41%.

The sector is dominated by 3 telecom operators; the incumbent Zain, Wataniya and VIVA (Saudi STC). Zain is still the No1 telecom with a 44% (1.81 mn) market share followed closely by Wataniya Telecom with a 40% (1.17mn) market share. No3 telecom VIVA with only a 16% market share is still lagging behind in the industry.

Kuwait is the only country in the gulf without the Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA). The regulations are carried out by the Ministry of Communication (MoC), which controls the fixed line and the international gateway for overseas calls. In the last 3 yeas the Ministry has announced plans for establishing the TRA, introducing Mobile Number Portability (MNP), privatize the fixed line operations as well as develop the country's fiber optic infrastructure. These plans have been slow to materialize and further delay is expected putting pressure on the telecom operators.

The investment confidence into the sector was further negatively affected by cancellation of deals as Zain's largest shareholder has cancelled plans to sell its majority stake in Zain to Etisalat, attributing the failure of Etisalat to complete due diligence by the 28 February deadline.

Top Telecoms in Kuwait

Zain - Mobile Telecommunications Co. (MTC)
Asa'ad Al Banwan| Chairman
Zain Group is a mobile telecommunications company founded in 1983 in Kuwait as MTC or Mobile Telecommunications Company, and was later re-branded to Zain in 2007. Zain has commercial presence in 7 countries across Africa and the Middle East with about 37.6 million customers as of March 31, 2011. It employs 6000 people. Shareholders (KIA 24,6%, Kharafi Group 11.4%-20% (estimate))
Assets: USD 13 billion
 Wataniya Telecom (National Mobile Telecom Company)
Scott Gegenheimer | CEO
Wataniya Telecom was commercially launched in 1999 as the first privately owned operator in Kuwait. In March 2007, Qatar Telecom (Qtel) acquired 51% of Wataniya Telecom shares from Kuwait Projects Company Holding KSC (KIPCO) group.
 Kuwait Telecommunication Company- VIVA
Adel Mohammad Ahmad AL-Roumi | Chairman
VIVA is the newest, most advanced mobile telecommunications service provider in the country. Launched in December 2008, VIVA makes things "possible" for our customers by transforming communication, information and entertainment experiences. VIVA has rapidly established itself in the market through our customer and employee-centric approach.

Top IT Solutions Providers in Kuwait

 ITS ( International Turnkey Systems)
International Turnkey Systems Group (ITS) is the leading provider of cutting-edge integrated information technology solutions and software services to a wide spectrum of industries and government entities across the Middle-East, Africa, the Asian region and Europe. Subsidiary of KFH.

Top Internet Service Providers in Kuwait

Qualitynet
Qualitynet was established in 1998 in response to a public offering by the Ministry of Communication, as part of their strategy toprivatize Internet and data communication services within the State of Kuwait. In September 1998, Qualitynet launched their data communications infrastructure and Internet gateway, to provide Internet services and private data communications services.
KEMS (Zajil Telecom)
Zajil International Telecom Company K.S.C.C is one the region´s leading Data Telecommunications and Internet solutions providers, with its main core services including networked IT services, local & international data com. services, high broadband and internet services besides the value added services and the specially tailored solutions for critical environments.
Fast Telecommunications (Fastelco)
Fast Telecommunication Co. W.L.L. is an internet service provider in Kuwait, officially established in November 2000. Owned by the Kuwaiti Shareholding Company, FAST Telco specializes in providing turnkey Internet, local and international data communication solutions, as well as local and international termination services for foreign carriers. It currently operates a network based on SDH/ATM/IP technologies, allowing minimal delays on all current and future services. FAST Telco has become one of the first telecommunication companies to be awarded the prestigious Cisco Powered Network (CPN) in the entire Middle East.
United Networks
United Networks is an Internet service provider (ISP) and media distributor that was established in Kuwait on October 1, 2005. The company is a member of KIPCO and has several subsidiary companies.

Top Real Estate Companies in Kuwait

Top Logistics Companies in Kuwait

Kuwait logistics sector developed as a result of the large logistic contracts associated with the presence of the US in Iraq. The 2 major players are KGL and Agility followed by Kuwait Dynamics and Mubarrad Transport. The western defense contractors have decreased. But on the other hand, there has been a substantial increase in international construction companies. The sector is still booming due due to the fact that the construction sector is booming with the government projects and international contractors are actually requiring that service more. The end of war in Iraq can serve as a major opportunity for the Kuwaiti logistics companies. 

Top Logistics Companies in Kuwait

Agility
Tareq Sultan | Chairman
A publicly traded company, Agility is one of the world's leading providers of integrated logistics with close to $6 billion in annual revenue and more than 22,000 employees in 550 offices across 100 countries. Major stakeholders (Sultan Family). The profitability could come under pressure as a result of the ongoing trial with the US government but this could be offset by a diversified business model. Agility was one of the largest suppliers to the US Army in the Middle East during the war in Iraq and is accused of overcharging over 41 months on $8.5 billion in supply contracts.
Assets: USD 13 billion
 KGL
Ali E. Dashti | Chairman
KGL is the premier provider of integrated Supply Chain Management services in the Middle East, fulfilling the Transportation, Logistics, Port Management, Shipping and Freight Forwarding needs of countless regional and international clients.
 Kuwait Dynamics Limited
Rawaf Bourisli | Chairman
KDL is a Kuwaiti registered Shareholding Company, Closed (KSCC), providing services to the US, UK, Kuwaiti, and other Coalition Forces throughout the Middle East. We are a Grade 1 (International) Certified Construction Company by the Kuwait Central Tenders Committee; a Grade One Project Management Company with the Kuwait Ministry of Planning; and is ISO 9001-2008 certified by Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance from the United Kingdom.
 Mubarrad Transport
Mubarrad Transport Company K.S.C.C. is one of the leading Logistic Companies in Kuwait. In addition to Land Transportation Services, we provide state of the art professional maintenance services for different varieties of equipment and fleet. Our services are carried out by highly skilled employees ensuring that work is executed with a high level of quality and in a safe manner.

Top Transport Companies in Kuwait

 United Arab Shipping Company
In 1976, when UASC was formed jointly between the Kingdom of Bahrain, Republic of Iraq, State of Kuwait, State of Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Headquartered in Kuwait with a Corporate Office in the UAE, we serve Asia from Singapore, Europe from London, the Middle East from Dubai and North America from Cranford, New Jersey. After more than 35 years of reliable service, UASC has earned its name as a market leader by being one of the most prominent carriers both in terms of liner cargo as well as port coverage.

Top Insurance Companies in Kuwait

Insurance sector seems to have a bright future. According to OBG "there appear to be several unique to Kuwait catalysts in the medium term future that will help expand the local appetite for insurance: a large scale, multi-year government spending plan, potential legal changes to

 make more forms of insurance mandatory, an overhaul of the current system for medical insurance for expatriate workers, privatisation of currently uninsured government assets and overhaul of the countries insurance laws." Furthermore Global Investment House reports that Kuwait has the lowest penetration rate as a percentage of premium income to GDP. (0.48%, Saudi Arabia 1%, UAE 1.8%).

The insurance sector is expected to rise significantly in Kuwait, as the concept of insurance is now spreading in the market, and more individuals and entities are adapting it. According to Capital Standards " Gross premiums written (GPW) in Kuwait posted an impressive 11-year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9% since 1999. The high growth rate attracted new players and consequently, the competitive landscape of the industry underwent sea change. The total number of insurers in Kuwait currently stands at 31 – 20 Kuwaiti companies, 7 Arabian companies and 4 foreign insurers."

Top Insurance Companies in Kuwait

Gulf Insurance Company
Farkad Abdullah Al Sanea | Chairman
Gulf Insurance Company (GIC) was established in 1962. Over the years GIC has grown from being a leading personal and commercial insurer in Kuwait into a regional insurance solutions provider. With operations in both life and non-life insurance segments, GIC is currently the largest insurance company in Kuwait in terms of written and retained premiums. Its activities are further supported by first class reinsurance security and the company possesses a 'BBB+' interactive credit rating from Standard and Poors. GIC covers a variety of risks related to Motor; Marine and Aviation; Property and Casualty; Life and Health insurance.  Subsidiary of KIPCO (43% stake).
Market Share: 25%
Assets: USD 13 billion
 Kuwait Insurance Company
Mohammad Saleh Behbehani | Chairman
uwait Insurance Company (KIC), established in 1960, is the first national company in Kuwait and the first Insurance Company in the Arabian Gulf states (GCC). It has stood as a beacon, guiding and paving the way for the birth, growth and development of the insurance industry in the Gulf. Following the liberation of Kuwait, KIC carried the mantle of leadership for the insurance of the Government programmes for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the facilities and infrastructure.
 Al Ahleia Insurance Company
Sulaiman Hamad Mohammad Al-Dalali | Chairman
The 3rd largest insurance company in Kuwait. An Amiri Decree established Al Ahleia Insurance Company SAK on 12/6/1962. Its founders were farsighted Kuwaiti nationals who had an in depth knowledge of the insurance industry. Al Ahleia is now one of the leading insurance companies in the State of Kuwait and the Arab World.
 Warba Insurance Company
Anwar Jawad Bu-Khamseen | Chairman
WARBA was established on 24.10.76 as a Kuwait Shareholding Company and the main objectives of the company are to underwrite all classes of insurance, reinsurance and related investment activities. Major stakeholders include the Bukhamseen family.

Top Public Institutions in Kuwait

There are three main unique characteristics in the structure of Kuwait's social pension system. Firstly, it receives financing from three different entities, namely, the contributors and the employers — who jointly pay 60% — and the government, which pays the remaining 40%.
 Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS)
Fahad Al Rajaan | Chairman
Established in 1977, PIFSS is one of the oldest institutions in the Middle East. Despite being a public institution its success lay partly in its independence, which allows it to operate much like a private pension fund.PIFSS is also a powerful investor both nationally and internationally. Once it collects the premiums, PIFSS invests the money through institutions like Wafra Investment Advisory Group (Wafra) - assets under management USD 10 billion.