The Kuwaiti authorities issued Decree Law No. 72/2026 to bring greater transparency to the establishment and management of places of worship, according to the text published in the official gazette Kuwait Al-Youm. The legislation, consisting of 30 articles, explicitly promotes freedom of religious practice and equality among citizens while barring any exploitation of these sites for political or non-religious aims. It applies solely to locations not already established or managed by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and calls for the formation of a dedicated Places of Worship Committee to oversee implementation.
Article 16 of the decree law enumerates a series of prohibited activities intended to keep places of worship focused on religious functions, the official document stated. Insulting or advocating the denigration of the teachings of any religion, sect or other belief is forbidden, as is interfering in the internal or external political affairs of the state, its system of government or public order. The list also bars inciting sectarian, racial, religious or ethnic strife or promoting extremism and violence.
Performing religious rites, rituals or ceremonies outside designated places of worship in ways that disrupt traffic, security or public order requires prior authorization from the relevant ministry department under the new rules, the decree indicated. Organizing events without such approval is likewise banned, along with any rituals or ceremonies that could harm participants or threaten the health, safety or security of worshippers and staff. Communication with diplomatic, security or official institutions of any country and interference in the policies of other nations from these sites are also prohibited.
Recruiting or appointing employees on a permanent or temporary basis without a permit from the relevant ministry unit violates the law, according to the published decree. The Council of Ministers must issue executive regulations within six months of the law’s appearance in the official gazette, based on a proposal from the responsible minister. Current legislation remains valid where it does not conflict with the new provisions until those regulations take effect.
Managers of existing places of worship must adjust their legal status within six months after the executive regulations are issued, the decree law stipulated. Non-compliant sites face closure by the relevant ministry, with assets subject to liquidation and funds returned to owners where feasible. In cases where return proves impossible, the ministry may assume management of the assets or delegate that responsibility to another designated entity.
