The Ministry of Interior has introduced a new regulatory framework governing ride-hailing services and transport applications in Kuwait, setting out seven eligibility conditions for Kuwaiti citizens wishing to operate passenger transport services through electronic platforms.

The new rules were issued under Ministerial Resolution No. 893 of 2026 by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef and were published in the Official Gazette.

Under the decision, applicants must be Kuwaiti citizens aged 21 or above, possess a valid driving license appropriate for the activity, obtain a permit from the General Traffic Department, and maintain a clean criminal and traffic record.

Individuals convicted of felonies, crimes involving dishonesty or serious traffic offences, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, will not be eligible unless legally rehabilitated.

The regulations also introduce strict vehicle requirements. Cars used for ride-hailing services must be owned by the driver, be no more than three years old when entering service, and must be discontinued once they reach seven years from the date of manufacture.

Vehicles must be air-conditioned, clean, meet all traffic safety standards and be designed to carry between three and seven passengers, excluding the driver.

For transport companies operating through electronic applications, the ministry has mandated licensing by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, approval from the General Traffic Department and the maintenance of detailed electronic trip records.

Companies must also install interior cameras in passenger transport vehicles and retain recordings for at least 120 days, providing data to authorities upon request.

The General Traffic Department has been granted powers to monitor electronic transport applications and may request the suspension or blocking of platforms that fail to comply with the regulations after being issued a warning. Drivers who violate traffic laws or the provisions of the new decision may also have their permits withdrawn, reports Al-Jarida daily.

Existing companies have been given three months to comply with the new requirements, while the new regulations take effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette, replacing the previous 2020 ministerial decision governing the sector.