Kuwait has launched the first phase of the unified smart license project, aimed at facilitating the business environment and improving government services by simplifying digital procedures and enhancing integration between regulatory authorities.

The project announcement was made at a joint press conference in the capital, Kuwait City, attended by the ministers of commerce and industry, communications, housing, and health. They confirmed that the project is receiving direct support from the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, and the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Youssef Saud Al Sabah.

The unified digital license aims to consolidate all government licenses and documents for commercial establishments into a single electronic document, making inspection and monitoring processes easier, while providing consumers a way to verify that establishments comply with regulatory requirements.

This initiative is characterized by linking the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the authority responsible for issuing smart licenses, with relevant government entities such as the Fire Department, Municipality, and Ministry of Health. This integration speeds up approvals and regulatory procedures, consolidating them into a single entity instead of obtaining multiple licenses from different authorities.

Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Abdullah Al-Ajeel confirmed that the project reduces about 80% of the time and procedures required to obtain commercial licenses, enhancing the flexibility of the business sector and encouraging investment.

The first phase of the project covers the general trade, retail, and restaurant sectors, with remaining phases to be completed by June 15th.