Kuwait celebrated on Wednesday the 65th independence anniversary (National Day) and the 35th anniversary of Liberation Day, marking the country’s liberation from the Iraqi invasion of Aug. 2, 1990. Liberation was achieved on Feb. 26, 1991.
Kuwait gained its independence from Britain on June 19, 1961. On that day, the late Emir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al Sabah, the 11th ruler of Kuwait, signed the independence document with Sir George Middleton, the British High Commissioner to the Arabian Gulf, acting on behalf of his government. The move annulled the 1899 agreement signed by Sheikh Mubarak Al Sabah, Kuwait’s seventh ruler, with Britain to protect the country from external threats.
On May 18, 1964, it was decided to merge the June 19 independence date with February 25 — the anniversary of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al Sabah’s accession to power — in tribute to his pivotal role in securing Kuwait’s independence. Since then, Kuwait has celebrated its National Day annually on Feb. 25.
Strong Economic Performance
This year’s 65th National Day comes as Kuwait records significant economic developments. A report issued by the Statistical Center for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf, titled “The State of Kuwait: Deep-Rooted Foundations and Steps Toward the Future,” highlights unprecedented financial and investment surpluses.
According to the report, Kuwait is achieving record fiscal and investment surpluses, supported by the strength of its sovereign wealth funds, whose assets have surpassed $1 trillion. In addition, banking sector assets have exceeded 100 billion Kuwaiti dinars (approximately $326 billion), reflecting the resilience of the financial system and continued confidence by international institutions in the national economy.
The Kuwait Stock Exchange recorded gains exceeding 9.6 billion Kuwaiti dinars (around $32 billion), underscoring the attractiveness of the investment environment and growing confidence among regional and international investors.
Kuwait ranked 19th globally in the Nation Brand Value Index, with national brands accounting for about 9 percent of GDP — one of the highest ratios worldwide.
The country also placed among the top 10 globally in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, supported by advances in digital infrastructure, 5G technology, mobile internet speeds, government digitalization, and the efficiency of its digital workforce.
Kuwait’s sovereign credit ratings remain in the high-grade category with a stable outlook, further strengthening its global economic standing.
Saudi–Kuwaiti Relations
For more than 130 years, Saudi–Kuwaiti relations have been firmly rooted in shared history and close ties built on common interests and longstanding positions.
Kuwait was the first country visited by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after his appointment as crown prince. He visited in May 2018 and again on September 30, 2018.
Similarly, Saudi Arabia was the first foreign destination of Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah after assuming power as Emir of Kuwait. On Jan. 30, 2024, he made his first official overseas trip to the Kingdom following his accession.
Joint Saudi–Kuwaiti efforts continue to strengthen cooperation in line with the two countries’ strategic visions — Saudi Vision 2030 and Kuwait Vision 2035 — aimed at expanding collaboration across economic, security, cultural, sports, and social sectors.
Among the key milestones was the signing in December 2019 of a supplementary agreement to the accords governing the divided neutral zone and the adjacent offshore area between the two countries, paving the way for the resumption of oil production on both sides.
