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Kuwait Financial Centre "Markaz" and Gulf Capital Investment Company "InvestGB" held a seminar on the Markaz Real Estate Fund (MREF), focusing on fund performance, investment strategies, and growth opportunities in real estate. This collaboration, lasting over 15 years, aims to enhance investment knowledge among wealth managers and improve client service. Markaz emphasizes its commitment to sustainable returns through disciplined risk management and a diversified portfolio. Both companies expressed their dedication to strengthening their partnership and delivering value to investors.

Zawya

ZAWYA: Markaz delivers joint seminar on MREF with InvestGB

Kuwaiti equities rebounded sharply in April 2026, with the Kuwait All Share Index gaining 5.3%, signaling confidence in economic recovery after easing geopolitical tensions. The banking sector index rose 3.1%, with mixed performances among banking stocks. Real estate sales fell 31% q/q in Q1 2026 due to geopolitical issues. GCC equity indices, except Saudi Arabia, ended the month positively, supported by regional stability. The IMF revised GCC GDP growth forecasts downward to 2.0% for 2026, citing inflation and trade disruptions. Ongoing geopolitical tensions are expected to influence market movements in May 2026.

ZAWYA: Markaz: Kuwait markets rebounded sharply in April, signaling confidence in an economic recovery

Boursa Kuwait reported a net profit of KD 5.99 million for Q1 2026, with total operating revenues of KD 10.15 million. The company demonstrated resilience amid geopolitical challenges, with institutional investors' turnover rising to 73.28% and international investors accounting for 21.60% of trading. The All-Share Index saw a limited decline of 1.82% in March, the lowest among GCC markets. Boursa Kuwait is enhancing its market structure and launching new products, including a bonds and sukuk trading platform and upcoming exchange-traded funds (ETFs), to attract a broader investor base and improve market efficiency.

ZAWYA: Amid exceptional geopolitical challenges, Boursa Kuwait records a net profit of KD 5.99mln in the first quarter of 2026

Kuwait's real estate market is entering a new phase as the government curbs land hoarding and promotes the productive use of undeveloped land. Experts predict a shift towards mixed-use projects, logistics, and housing, driven by new regulations. The implementation of Law No. 126/2023 will encourage landowners to develop or sell their properties, reducing speculation. Challenges remain, including bureaucratic delays and high financing costs. Successful land development will depend on creating jobs and boosting non-oil GDP, with a focus on public-private partnerships and accurate data for investment decisions.

ZAWYA: Real Estate in Kuwait enters new phase as land hoarding curbed

Kuwait is advancing major projects in its 2026-2027 budget, including airport expansions and infrastructure developments, as part of a stimulus package to mitigate regional tensions. Finance Minister Yaqoub Al-Rifai announced plans to enhance economic activity and job creation, with a budget forecasting revenues of KWD 16.3 billion and expenditures of KWD 26.1 billion, resulting in a KWD 9.8 billion shortfall. Capital spending is projected at KWD 3.1 billion, focusing on strategic projects like the new airport terminal and wastewater treatment plants.

- Kuwait is advancing airport expansion and other large projects as part of a stimulus plan to address the impacts of regional conflicts.  
- Finance Minister Yacoub Al-Rifa'i outlined a roadmap aimed at enhancing economic activity, ensuring fiscal sustainability, and creating sustainable private sector jobs for Kuwaitis.  
- The 2026-2037 budget anticipates revenues of 16.3 billion Kuwaiti Dinars against expenditures of 26.1 billion, projecting a deficit of 9.8 billion, with significant capital investment allocated to infrastructure projects.

ZAWYA: Kuwait pursues major projects in 2026-2027 budget

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Gulf states are facing economic challenges as the US-Iran crisis continues, with the Strait of Hormuz blockade impacting energy exports and tourism. Despite a fragile ceasefire, uncertainty looms over the region's economic recovery and diversification efforts. Countries like Qatar have halted liquefied natural gas production, and many Gulf nations expect economic contraction this year. Analysts warn that prolonged instability could hinder the Gulf's ambitions to attract talent and investment, while the US's role in negotiations remains uncertain, leaving Gulf states vulnerable to Iran's influence.

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Kuwait Financial Centre "Markaz" has been awarded the title of "Best Investment Bank in Kuwait" by Global Finance, marking its 13th award from the institution since 2011. This recognition highlights Markaz's expertise and strong execution capabilities in investment banking. The award ceremony took place on April 21, 2026, in London. Markaz, established in 1974, manages over KD 1.52 billion in assets and is known for pioneering innovative investment channels in the MENA region. Managing Director Ahmed Al Falah emphasized the firm's commitment to high-quality advisory services and tailored financial solutions for clients.

ZAWYA: Markaz wins “Best Investment Bank in Kuwait” from Global Finance

On Sunday (April 19), the Kuwait Stock Exchange Supermarket Price Return Index rose 0.08% to close at 9,521.25 points, approaching its all-time high closing level. The Qatar Stock Exchange Index gained 0.03% to close at 10,718.23 points, remaining above its March 2 closing level

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The latest developments in the Middle East war include Iran's readiness for all possibilities against the US and Israel, as stated by First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref. Pope Leo XIV condemned threats against civilians as "unacceptable." Kuwait has issued a stay-at-home warning, and the US has advised against travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj due to security concerns. A UN probe implicated Israel and Hezbollah in the deaths of peacekeepers. The Israeli military expressed regret over collateral damage in Tehran, while the death toll in Lebanon has reached 1,530 amid ongoing conflict.

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The Board of Directors of the Competition Protection Authority in Kuwait has established new thresholds for prior notification of economic concentrations. Parties involved must submit an approval request if they meet certain criteria, including annual sales exceeding KD1.5 million for one party, combined sales over KD3 million, or registered assets exceeding KD7.5 million. The decision also defines 'sales within the State of Kuwait' and outlines penalties for non-compliance, while repealing a previous decision from 2021.

MSCI Kuwait ETF - iShares(KWT.US)