Kuwait – Retail and Consumer Issues

What are the typical opening hours for shops in Kuwait?

Retail life in Kuwait centres heavily on mall culture, and trading hours are notably generous compared with many other parts of the world. In contrast to certain European nations where retail hours face strict regulation — Germany and Ireland, for instance, impose restrictions on Sunday trading — Kuwait has no legal cap on weekend commerce. The official working week spans Sunday through Thursday, with Friday and Saturday designated as the weekend, meaning shopping activity remains lively across all seven days of the week.

Large shopping destinations such as The Gate Mall generally open at 10:00am and close at 10:00pm from Saturday through Wednesday, with Thursday evenings and Fridays frequently seeing extended hours stretching to 11:00pm or midnight — the peak shopping window of the week. The Avenues, Kuwait’s largest mall and a flagship retail landmark, maintains comparable late-evening hours, particularly during sale periods and public holidays.

Smaller independent shops and local convenience stores — commonly known as “bakalas” — tend to open earlier, often around 7:00am or 8:00am, but may shut for a mid-afternoon break between approximately 1:00pm and 4:00pm. This split-shift tradition persists in many areas outside large malls and can catch newcomers off guard if they are accustomed to continuous trading. Evening hours typically run until 10:00pm or beyond. It pays to plan shopping trips and errands with this pattern in mind.

Ramadan brings a notable shift in retail rhythms. Shops frequently open later in the afternoon and continue trading deep into the night following Iftar, while daytime operations may be scaled back. Around major public holidays — such as National Day on 25 February and Liberation Day on 26 February — some retailers and malls may shut entirely or operate on restricted schedules. It is always wise to confirm hours directly with individual stores ahead of holiday periods.

What forms of payment are typically accepted in Kuwait?

Kuwait’s payments ecosystem is well developed, and card transactions are standard across supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants, and most established retail outlets. Visa and Mastercard — both debit and credit — are the dominant card types at larger stores. American Express is catered for at upscale retailers and hotels but enjoys less widespread acceptance at smaller independent shops.

Apple Pay became officially available to Mastercard cardholders in Kuwait in December 2022 and is accepted wherever contactless Mastercard payments are processed, including grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, coffee shops, and online stores. Shoppers can make contactless payments using their iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac devices at the vast majority of point-of-sale terminals across the country. Google Pay and Samsung Pay are also supported by a number of major Kuwaiti banks, including Commercial Bank of Kuwait (Al-Tijari).

Kuwait’s tech-savvy consumer base has raised expectations around payment convenience, and merchants are increasingly expected to offer seamless, modern checkout options. That said, cash retains its importance at traditional souqs, small neighbourhood grocery stores, and informal street stalls. If you intend to shop at venues such as Souq Al-Mubarakiya or smaller community shops, carrying Kuwaiti Dinars (KWD) in cash is strongly advisable.

A payment mechanism that may be unfamiliar to newly arrived expats is KNET — Kuwait’s national debit card network. Virtually all debit cards issued by Kuwaiti banks operate on KNET, and KNET terminals are found throughout the country. When paying by debit card at a point-of-sale terminal, you may be asked to select KNET rather than Visa or Mastercard, especially if the card was issued locally. Debit cards from foreign banks should still function on the Visa or Mastercard network at most terminals, but it is worth verifying this with your bank prior to travelling.

What are the major supermarkets in Kuwait, and how do they differ?

Kuwait’s grocery retail scene is shaped by a blend of large hypermarkets and mid-sized chains, serving an exceptionally diverse population. Expatriates account for roughly 70% of Kuwait’s residents, generating a broad consumer base with varied tastes and purchasing habits. This demographic reality pushes retailers to stock both local staples and international products to satisfy shoppers from across the globe.

LuLu Hypermarket ranks among the most popular budget-to-mid-range choices and is a familiar name throughout the Gulf. It carries an impressive breadth of fresh produce, international foodstuffs, household goods, and electronics at competitive prices — similar in positioning to a large Walmart or a European hypermarket in terms of range and value. LuLu is particularly well regarded among expats for its extensive selection of South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern goods.

The Sultan Center (TSC) is a Kuwaiti-born chain occupying the mid-range to premium segment. TSC operates stores in several prominent locations, including Souq Sharq, and is recognised for carrying a strong assortment of imported Western and international brands, making it a go-to destination for shoppers seeking products from Europe, North America, or Australia. In feel and pricing, it draws comparisons to a mid-tier UK supermarket such as Sainsbury’s or a comparable European equivalent.

Carrefour, operating in Kuwait under Majid Al Futtaim, takes a large-format hypermarket approach with an extensive price spectrum. Under one roof it stocks groceries, clothing, electronics, and homeware — broadly comparable to a large French Carrefour or a UK Asda. Géant, also run by Majid Al Futtaim, and Saveco fill out the mid-range grocery market, with Saveco pitched slightly more towards budget-conscious shoppers. Key names in Kuwait’s wider retail sector include Alshaya Group, LuLu Hypermarket, Carrefour (Majid Al Futtaim), The Sultan Center (TSC), Saveco, and Al Mulla Group.

Several chains run loyalty programmes. TSC offers a points-based card scheme on purchases, and Carrefour runs My Club Card promotions across its GCC network. LuLu has also featured loyalty and points-based initiatives from time to time. It is best to consult each retailer’s official website for current scheme details, as these can change.

How popular is online shopping in Kuwait, and what are the main platforms?

Kuwait’s e-commerce sector is expanding at a remarkable pace, supported by more than 4 million internet users, mobile penetration surpassing 90%, and a youthful population — 56% under the age of 35 — with considerable spending power. While physical retail continues to hold its own, digital shopping is gaining ground rapidly, particularly among younger consumers who value the ease and efficiency of ordering online.

The most prominent food delivery and grocery platform is Talabat, which spans Kuwait and the broader Gulf region, handling both restaurant deliveries and quick-commerce grocery orders. Carriage is another well-established app serving food and grocery delivery. For general merchandise, Amazon.ae — Amazon’s UAE-based platform — ships to Kuwait, though delivery timelines and customs thresholds are worth investigating before placing an order. For fashion and accessories, 6thStreet and Namshi are popular choices among local shoppers.

Many Kuwaiti retailers, including LuLu and TSC, maintain their own apps and websites offering home delivery. Social commerce also plays a meaningful role: buying and selling via Instagram and WhatsApp has long been common among smaller and independent vendors, though this space is now coming under closer regulatory scrutiny. The era of informal social media selling without proper licences is drawing to a close following new legislative measures.

In November 2025, Kuwait’s Cabinet approved the landmark Digital Commerce Law — a far-reaching regulatory framework tailored to the growing e-commerce landscape. The legislation requires all online stores to be registered and grants consumers a 14-day return right, with carve-outs for perishable goods, customised items, and certain digital services. For purchases from international platforms operating outside Kuwait, customs duties may be levied on goods exceeding certain value thresholds — consult the Kuwait Customs Department for the rates currently in effect before placing sizeable international orders.

Are there shops or products in Kuwait catering specifically to expats or international tastes?

Kuwait’s large and varied expatriate community has generated strong demand for international food products, and most major supermarkets respond by stocking a wide range of imported goods. With expats comprising around 70% of the population, retailers face clear commercial incentives to diversify their ranges and cater simultaneously to local preferences and the tastes of shoppers from across the world.

For South and Southeast Asian provisions — encompassing Indian, Filipino, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi ingredients — LuLu Hypermarket is particularly comprehensive in its coverage, a reflection of the large communities from these countries resident in Kuwait. Dedicated Indian and Asian grocery shops can also be found in residential areas with significant expat populations, including Salmiya, Farwaniya, and Hawalli.

Shoppers in search of Western European or North American branded goods — specific breakfast cereals, cooking staples, or snack products — will generally find The Sultan Center the most reliably stocked option. Marks & Spencer Food has a footprint in Kuwait through the Alshaya Group, making a selection of M&S products available to shoppers. A broad array of international brands — including Marks & Spencer, Zara, H&M, and various American and European names — is concentrated within The Avenues mall, which also accommodates restaurants and stores representing French, Dutch, Italian, Turkish, Swiss, Indian, and Arabic cuisines and cultures.

Those wanting to explore traditional Kuwaiti and Middle Eastern goods need look no further than the historic Souq Al-Mubarakiya in Kuwait City. This bustling market sells fresh produce, spices, dried goods, traditional confectionery, and household items, typically at prices that undercut supermarkets. The souq operates daily, with the liveliest trading concentrated in the late afternoon and evening hours. It is important to note that alcohol is entirely prohibited throughout Kuwait and cannot be purchased anywhere in the country. Pork products are similarly absent from mainstream supermarkets, though some specialist import stores catering to non-Muslim communities may carry certain pork-derived items in designated sections.

What are your rights as a consumer in Kuwait?

Kuwait’s Consumer Protection Law (CPL) forms the bedrock of fair trading standards in the country, placing consumer safety and interests at the centre of commercial activity and holding businesses to account under the supervision of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The legislation shields consumers against a broad spectrum of issues arising from the purchase and use of goods and services, and sets clear expectations for product quality and business conduct.

Returns and refunds: Under Consumer Protection Law No. 39 of 2014, consumers have a right to exchange or get a refund of products within 14 days of purchase. The law allows a consumer to replace or return a defective product within 14 days — provided the item is not a rapidly perishable good — and holds vendors and suppliers jointly liable. In contrast to EU consumer law, which provides a statutory two-year guarantee on goods, Kuwait’s CPL ties the return window to the guarantee period stipulated by the vendor, or to a “customary period” where no guarantee is specified. Article 14 of the CPL sets out the framework for the return, refund, and replacement of defective products, requiring vendors to replace or refund within the applicable guarantee period or, in its absence, within a customary timeframe.

Promotions and discounts: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has confirmed that shoppers retain the legal right to return or exchange goods under Consumer Protection Law No. 39 of 2014 even during periods of store promotions and sales. Temporary discounts or special offers cannot be introduced without Ministry approval, and it is unlawful to advertise such offers in a manner that misleads consumers or misrepresents the facts.

Product labelling: Article 12 of the CPL requires that producers, importers, or vendors label products clearly in Arabic, in line with Kuwait’s approved standard specifications or applicable GCC standards. Invoices must be issued in Arabic and must confirm the product, date of purchase and sale, price, quantity, type, and any other required particulars.

Contracts: Article 11 of the CPL declares void any clause in a contract or accompanying document that seeks to relieve a merchant or service provider of their obligations, or that curtails rights granted to consumers by the Consumer Protection Law. This strong safeguard prevents retailers from using fine print to erode statutory protections.

Always verify the current legal position through official government channels, as legislation is subject to amendment. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) website is the definitive official source for consumer protection law in Kuwait.

Which organisations protect consumers in Kuwait, and how can you contact them?

A number of official bodies oversee consumer affairs in Kuwait. Whether you are dealing with a dispute with a retailer, wish to report misleading advertising practices, or need to escalate a complaint beyond the store level, the organisations listed below are your principal points of contact.

• Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) — Consumer Protection Department
  The Consumer Protection Law is administered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which operates a dedicated Consumer Protection Department. MOCI investigates complaints concerning product quality, pricing, deceptive promotions, and breaches of the CPL. Where a dispute cannot be resolved between the parties, the Ministry has the authority to intervene and enforce consumer protection legislation. Visit: www.moci.gov.kw
• Consumer Protection Hotline: 135
  Complaints can be submitted in person at consumer protection centres located in each governorate, or by telephoning the dedicated “135” hotline. This is the primary telephone channel for raising concerns about goods or services. The service operates in Arabic; if you require assistance in another language, it is advisable to bring along a local contact or interpreter when making the call.
• National Committee for Consumer Protection (NCCP)
  When a consumer and a vendor disagree over the condition of a returned item, the National Committee for Consumer Protection (NCCP) serves as the appropriate point of escalation. Chapter two of the Consumer Protection Law provides for the establishment of the Consumer Protection Committee and sets out its operating framework. The NCCP functions as a dispute resolution body for unresolved consumer complaints. Contact details are accessible through the MOCI website.
• Kuwait Municipality
  Complaints regarding food safety, hygiene conditions at retail food outlets, or market inspections fall under the remit of Kuwait Municipality’s inspectorate. Visit: www.kuwaitmunicipality.gov.kw
• Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK)
  For concerns relating to payment transactions, card fraud, or financial services connected with retail purchases, the Central Bank of Kuwait is the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing banks and payment service providers. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Kuwait, has put in place clear regulations to protect consumers in the realm of digital commerce.

When lodging a formal complaint with any of these bodies, it is helpful to have your invoice or receipt to hand, along with a description of the product or service in question, the name and address of the retailer, and a clear record of any communications with the seller. As noted above, invoices must be written in Arabic and must set out the product, date of sale, price, and quantity — so always request and retain your receipt at the point of purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are shops in Kuwait open on Fridays?

Yes. Friday falls within Kuwait’s official weekend, yet the majority of malls and supermarkets remain open that day, frequently with extended evening hours. It is, in fact, one of the busiest shopping days of the entire week. Smaller shops may close briefly around Friday midday prayers — typically between roughly 11:30am and 1:30pm — so it is worth timing your visit with this in mind.

Is bargaining acceptable in Kuwait’s shops?

Fixed pricing is the norm in large supermarkets, hypermarkets, and established retail chains, where haggling would be out of place. At traditional souqs such as Souq Al-Mubarakiya, however, and with some independent vendors, negotiating on price is culturally accepted and in some cases anticipated — especially for larger purchases or when buying in bulk.

Can I use international credit and debit cards in Kuwait?

Yes. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at the great majority of malls, supermarkets, restaurants, and formal retailers. Smaller independent shops and market stalls may operate on a cash-only basis. Notify your home bank before you travel to prevent your card being flagged for overseas use, and check whether your card charges foreign transaction fees.

What is KNET, and do I need to use it?

KNET is Kuwait’s national electronic debit payment network. If you hold an account with a Kuwaiti bank, your debit card will almost certainly run on KNET at local point-of-sale terminals. Cards issued by overseas banks will continue to function via the Visa or Mastercard networks at most terminals, although some smaller outlets may accept KNET only.

How do I return a faulty product in Kuwait?

Under Consumer Protection Law No. 39 of 2014, consumers have a right to exchange or get a refund of products within 14 days of purchase. The law allows a consumer to replace or return a defective product within 14 days, provided the item is not a perishable good, with vendors and suppliers jointly liable. Your receipt is essential proof of purchase, so always make sure you keep it safe.

Is online shopping reliable in Kuwait?

Kuwait’s e-commerce market is growing at a significant rate, backed by over 4 million internet users and mobile penetration exceeding 90%. Well-established platforms such as Talabat, Carrefour online, and LuLu’s app generally deliver a reliable experience for local orders. International orders — for example from Amazon.ae — may involve longer delivery times and could attract customs charges, so always review the terms before buying from an overseas platform.

Are Western food brands available in Kuwait?

Yes, a broad selection of Western, European, and international branded products is available, most abundantly at The Sultan Center and larger Carrefour hypermarkets. Marks & Spencer Food also has a presence in the country. Availability of highly specific niche products may vary, and some items may need to be sourced through international shipping. Bear in mind that alcohol and the majority of pork products cannot be purchased anywhere in Kuwait in accordance with Islamic law.

Where can I complain if a shop in Kuwait refuses to honour my return rights?

You can submit a complaint in person at consumer protection centres in any governorate, or by calling the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s “135” hotline. If the matter cannot be resolved directly with the retailer, the next step is to escalate to the National Committee for Consumer Protection (NCCP) through the MOCI. Retain all relevant documentation, including receipts, written correspondence, and photographs of any defective item.