Kuwait advanced to 31st in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking for 2026, the Kuwait Anti-Corruption Authority reported on June 18, 2026. The country moved up from 36th place the previous year as its score increased to 70.13 out of 100 from 68.69, with the gains linked to stronger economic performance and business efficiency, according to Nazaha.
The authority stated that the improvement was driven by positive performance across several pillars of the index. In particular, economic performance and business efficiency contributed to the country’s enhanced global position. The statement was issued on Thursday and carried by the Kuwait News Agency. This advance continues a pattern of yearly gains in the survey.
The IMD World Competitiveness Ranking assesses economies on their ability to provide a favorable environment for business and investment while achieving sustainable growth. According to the IMD World Competitiveness Center, economies boasting credible institutions are better positioned to tackle volatile and fragmented global conditions. This finding comes from the 2026 edition of the ranking released in June. The center’s data this year covers 70 global economies.
IMD historical records indicate that Kuwait ranked 37th in 2024 and 38th in 2023, demonstrating a consistent climb in the standings. The 2025 position of 36th among 69 countries set the stage for the latest advance to 31st among 70. Such progress is measured using a combination of statistical data and executive surveys. The Swiss institute has published the yearbook since 1989.
A review of the methodology shows that the ranking incorporates more than 250 criteria, two thirds of which are statistical, according to an analysis referencing IMD data. The remaining portion comes from a survey of international executives. The four key pillars are economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure. Kuwait’s reported advances focused on the first and third of these pillars, Nazaha reported.
In the broader Gulf region, the United Arab Emirates secured fifth place in the 2026 ranking, IMD figures show. Several other GCC economies also featured in the upper half of the list. The index provides a benchmark for participating nations. The Kuwait Anti-Corruption Authority noted that the ranking additionally serves as a reference for measuring corruption perceptions.
