Kuwait's government amends expats property ownership rules
These experts confirmed to the newspaper that the decision will contribute to the development of investment in the real estate sector, and achieve economic and social development goals in a way that benefits the local economy by attracting more foreign investments and providing job opportunities for Kuwaitis.
The Real Estate Union said the decision was issued in appreciation of the nature of economic life, its variables and the dynamics of change it requires; thus, enabling it to address a sterile situation that has harmed companies listed on Boursa Kuwait, as it prevented them from owning real estate properties and engaging in commercial activities as per their founding contracts and basic systems. It added that the decision will solve this complex and important problem, and prevent damages and dire consequences.
Head of the union Ibrahim Al-Awadhi revealed that listed companies in general, and real estate companies in particular, were unable to buy or sell real estate properties and transfer ownership through the Real Estate Registration Department at the Ministry of Justice due to the presence of foreign owners among their shareholders for the past five years.
He said this is considered an unjustified disruption in their work and a clash with the reality imposed by previous laws that were not implemented at the time and a step backwards in the State's efforts to attract and encourage foreign capital to participate in such types of investments.
Arab Times | © Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Zawya
3 hours ago
- Zawya
GIB reports strong first half financial results
In Q2 2025, net profit attributable to shareholders soared to $44.2 million, marking an 8% increase from $41 million during the same period last year. This strong performance was strategically powered by diversifying income sources and reducing reliance on net interest income, achieved through offering value-added, differentiated products and services across the Bank's business lines. The Bank recorded a notable rise in non-interest income, reaching $58.7 million compared to $34.3 million, reflecting a healthy increase of 71%. Operating expenses were managed at $113.2 million, showing a slight rise of 4%. Provisions for the quarter amounted to $18.6 million, up from $1.2 million in Q2 2024, with remarkable revenue growth, containment of expenses, and prudent provisioning all together contributing to the rise in consolidated profit of $52.6 million for the Group, up 10% from $48 million in the same period last year. Basic and diluted earnings per share for shareholders rose to $2.21 cents, compared to $2.05 cents per share in the same period last year. Total comprehensive income attributable to shareholders increased by 3% to $40.4 million, up from $39.3 million in the previous year. In the first half of 2025, net profit attributable to shareholders of the Bank grew by 4% to $92.2 million compared to $88.5 million in the prior year. Net income for the first half reached $112.6 million, a 6% increase from$106.3 million in the previous period. Non-interest income for the first half reached $112.2 million compared to $90.3 million, reflecting an increase of 24%. This growth was driven mainly by foreign exchange income, net trading income and asset recoveries from previously written-off customers. This performance highlights the Bank's progress in executing its strategy to diversify income sources and enhance cross-selling activities. The Bank maintained operational efficiency, with a controlled rise in operating expenses of 5% to $222 million, representing measured growth while focusing on strategic initiatives. Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to shareholders reached $4.61 cents, compared to $4.43 cents per share in the prior period. Total comprehensive income attributable to shareholders stood at $89.8 million, up 6% from $84.5 million in the previous year. Total shareholders' equity, excluding minority interest, rose by 4% to $2.6 billion from $2.5 billion in December 2024, including reserves and retained earnings of $565.3 million, which account for 28% of capital. Total consolidated assets at the end of the first half stood at $49.2 billion, compared to $42.9 billion, reflecting a 15% increase since December 2024. This growth was driven by a rise in transitory client deposits linked to the Group's cash management and payment services in the UK, which are held with central banks, other banks, and short-term securities. Cash and liquid assets, including short-term placements, reached $21.3 billion, representing 43% of total assets, compared to 40% in December 2024. Investment securities amounting to $9.5 billion were primarily composed of highly rated and liquid debt securities issued by major financial institutions and regional government-related entities. Loans and advances rose by 5% to $16.1 billion, aligning with the Bank's strategy to originate, underwrite, and distribute. GIB continued to leverage its strong funding profile in the first half of 2025, with customer deposits reaching $33.8 billion. The Bank's solid funding position reflects the confidence of its customers and counterparties, bolstered by its strong ownership and financial stability. The liquidity coverage ratio of 131.1%, net stable funding ratio of 138.7%, and Basel 3 total capital adequacy ratio of 14.8% are all well above the regulatory requirements. The financial statements for the first half of 2025 were reviewed by the external auditors KPMG -Fakhro and comply with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 34 - Interim Financial Reporting. Gulf International Bank B.S.C. is a pan GCC universal bank established in 1975 and regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain. GIB's services are delivered across the GCC and international markets through its subsidiaries: GIB Saudi Arabia, GIB (UK) Ltd. Additionally, the Bank has branches in London, New York, Abu Dhabi and Oman in addition to a representative office in Dubai. GIB is owned by the sovereign wealth funds/governments of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC), with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) being the primary shareholder. Please address media inquiries to: Zahraa Taher Managing Director FinMark Communications Tel: +973 17749759 Email: info@


Zawya
19 hours ago
- Zawya
PIF reports 19% growth in assets under management, $171bln invested in priority sectors since 2021
RIYADH — The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has reported a strong performance for 2024, with assets under management (AuM) rising 19% to $913 billion and total revenue increasing by 25%, according to its newly published annual report. The results highlight PIF's expanding role in driving Saudi Arabia's economic transformation and shaping global markets. Since 2021, cumulative investments in priority sectors have exceeded $171 billion, with $56.8 billion deployed in 2024 alone. The fund's average total portfolio return has reached 7.2% annually since 2017, and its cash position remains broadly unchanged, reflecting robust liquidity. PIF's contribution to the Kingdom's non-oil GDP between 2021 and 2024 totaled $243 billion, representing 10% of the national non-oil economy. The fund has established 103 companies to date, bringing its total portfolio to 225 companies by the end of 2024, while advancing strategic sectors, localization, and innovation. Key milestones in 2024 included partnerships in sports, technology, energy, and entertainment — such as launching Alat, a technology firm focused on semiconductors and smart devices; creating the Neo Space Group to champion the satellite and space sector; and entering multi-year agreements with ATP and WTA to boost global tennis. PIF also acquired a 15% stake in Heathrow Airport and launched Adeera, a Saudi hospitality brand. Internationally, PIF continued to expand its global investment footprint, raising $16.83 billion in public and private debt while earning credit rating upgrades from Moody's and Fitch. Governance performance also reached a milestone, with PIF scoring 96% in Global SWF's 2024 GSR Scoreboard and tying for first place globally in 2025 with a score of 100%. PIF also recorded strong brand growth, with Brand Finance naming it the world's most valuable and fastest-growing sovereign wealth fund brand in 2024. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Khaleej Times
21 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Barrierless parking drives Salik non-toll revenue to Dh8.7 million in H1 2025
Salik's non-toll revenue reached Dh8.7 million in H1 2025, driven mainly by its parking payment solutions partnerships with Emaar Malls and Parkonic, the company said. At Dubai Mall — where Salik launched its first barrier-free parking payment solution with Emaar Malls on July 1, 2024 — the partnership generated Dh5.6 million in H1 2025, including Dh2.9 million in Q2. The solution was implemented across the Fashion, Grand and Cinema parking zones of the mall. The collaboration with Parkonic — one of the largest private parking operators in the UAE — is a five-year agreement to integrate Salik accounts in all current and future locations it operates across the country. Operations are now live in 73 of 154 planned sites since mid-February. The tie-up also marks Salik's first expansion of services outside Dubai. Salik said its LIVA (formerly RSA) motor insurance partnership continued to gain traction in H1 2025, streamlining policy renewals via reminders that direct customers to a dedicated landing page for quick purchase. Under a Memorandum of Understanding with ENOC, Salik and ENOC plan to enable smart payments for fuel and other services — including Autopro, Tasjeel and Zoom — with the option to deduct transactions from a customer's Salik balance using automatic number plate recognition technology. The company reaffirmed its confidence in expanding ancillary revenue over the medium to long term, citing momentum across parking integrations and digital payments that enhance user experience and diversify income beyond core tolling.