Kuwait ministries free to increase public service charges 

Kuwait issued a decree on Sunday that will allow ministries to set charges for public services for the first time in 30 years. 

The decree, which abolishes a 1995 law, gives ministries authority to decide on fees and costs for public services, which will then be approved by the cabinet. 

The government aims to better manage the cost and fees of public services, the decree said, allowing for greater flexibility in the management of financial resources.

It will also provide better control on spending and demand for public services.

• Saudi Arabia scraps hotel licence fees to draw investment

• ADGM to cut fees for non-financial business by 50%

• Fees and procedures make UAE IPOs more complex

The previous law required approval from the National Assembly for changes. 

Kuwait recently introduced a 15 percent tax on multinational companies that is expected to bring in nearly $825 million a year to the state’s coffers. 

It is also working on a new “sin tax” on unhealthy products that could raise $660 million a year.