KUWAIT CITY, Feb 11: Kuwait retained its score of 46 in the 2024 Global Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) but saw its global ranking drop to 65th from 63rd, placing it last in the Gulf and 7th in the Arab world. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranked first in both the Arab world and the Gulf, followed by Qatar and Saudi Arabia in second, Oman in fourth, and Bahrain in fifth.

According to the Kuwait Transparency Society, the 2024 CPI evaluation highlighted a growing connection between corruption and the climate crisis. The index was based on data from eight different sources. Despite Kuwait’s score holding steady, the country’s global ranking fell by two spots, reflecting challenges in tackling corruption, particularly when compared to its regional peers.

Over the past five years, Kuwait has made progress in improving its corruption perception score. The Transparency Society noted that Kuwait’s rating increased by 18 points in four sources, while four other sources saw a decrease of 17 points, which created a balance in the overall result.

A key factor in Kuwait’s score retention was a significant improvement in the country’s assessment by the Economist Intelligence Unit, which issued the country’s risk classification. Kuwait’s score in this source rose by 14 points, from 37 to 51—marking the best result in this year’s evaluation and contributing greatly to maintaining its overall score.

Despite the drop in its global ranking, there were encouraging developments in Kuwait's national integrity system during 2024. These include a strong message from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, reaffirming the government’s commitment to fighting corruption and safeguarding public funds.

The government also took action by holding accountable individuals involved in forging Kuwaiti nationality and approving several decisions aimed at reforming the administrative system. The activation of the Financial Investigations Unit, following the issuance of Amiri Decree No. 216 of 2024, further strengthened Kuwait’s fight against corruption.

In addition, several judicial rulings were issued against ministers and public sector leaders implicated in embezzling public funds and abusing their positions of influence. These legal actions demonstrate Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption, even as it faces challenges in improving its standing in international corruption rankings.

Kuwait’s Transparency Society emphasized the importance of continuing national efforts to enhance transparency and strengthen the integrity system, which are essential to improving the country's global perception and maintaining trust in public institutions.