Kuwait Minister of Commerce and Industry Osama Boudi issued a new decision banning cash transactions exceeding 10 Kuwaiti dinars across specific sectors, requiring businesses to adopt banking channels and approved electronic payment methods as part of efforts to enhance financial transparency and regulation.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated that Ministerial Resolution No 32 of 2026 applies to institutions and companies operating in health institutes, men and women salons, children salons, sports clubs, medical pest control companies, as well as activities related to the import export and storage of public health pesticides.

The decision stipulates that no cash transactions exceeding 10 Kuwaiti dinars are permitted when concluding contracts, selling goods, or providing services, with all payments above this threshold required to be processed through banking systems or electronic payment methods approved by the Central Bank of Kuwait in accordance with regulatory guidelines.

It also enforces penalties outlined in Law Decree No 10 of 1979 against violators, including closure of non compliant establishments and referral to competent authorities for legal action, reinforcing adherence to financial regulations.

The ministry confirmed that any conflicting provisions are отменено under this decision, which will be implemented by the relevant authorities and will take effect from the date of issuance and publication in the official gazette, reflecting a broader government direction toward modernizing the business environment and expanding digital payments.