Security Services in Kuwait

Kuwait is a wealthy Gulf state with a small population and a significant US military presence, including Camp Arifjan and Ali Al Salem Air Base. It is a major transit and staging point for US and coalition military logistics in the region. This creates a distinct security environment: the country is stable domestically but sits within a regional threat picture that is considerably more active.

The US State Department rates Kuwait at Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). The UK FCDO also maintains elevated advisories. Both reflect the terrorist threat from Iran-aligned groups and IS affiliates rather than domestic Kuwaiti instability or crime.

Iran-aligned threat groups

Kuwait’s proximity to Iraq and the presence of large US military installations make it a target for Iran-aligned militia groups seeking to pressure the US regional footprint. Attacks on US bases in Kuwait and neighbouring countries have occurred, including drone and rocket attacks coordinated with broader regional escalation by groups including Kataib Hezbollah. The threat to private commercial visitors in Kuwait City is lower than the threat to uniformed US personnel, but Western nationals in Kuwait are within the general threat profile and require awareness of escalation indicators.

Landmines: A documented operational risk

The 1991 Gulf War left an estimated 1.8 million landmines across Kuwait, according to Kuwait’s Higher Committee for the Execution of UN Resolutions. Clearance operations have been extensive but not complete. FCDO and State Department advisories both explicitly warn against off-road travel in desert areas. Any security plan that involves movement outside Kuwait City into desert terrain, or near the Iraqi border corridor, must include a landmine risk assessment and route mapping using cleared corridors only.

Domestic operating environment

Kuwait City is the only significant commercial and residential hub. The city is relatively safe at street level. Crime directed at foreigners is not a primary concern. The legal environment is less strict than Saudi Arabia or Qatar on some social issues but still carries significant penalties for drug offences, alcohol violations in public, and conduct contrary to Islamic law.

The oil and gas sector drives most international corporate presence in Kuwait. Executives working in the energy sector often have defined travel patterns to industrial facilities outside Kuwait City. Security planning for these movements requires specific route assessment.

Source: US State Department Travel Advisory: Kuwait (2025). FCDO Travel Advice: Kuwait (2024). Kuwait Higher Committee for Execution of UN Resolutions: Landmine Clearance Data. CENTCOM Regional Threat Assessment 2024.

Our vetted operators provide close protection and executive protection and security driver services across Kuwait. For a detailed local assessment, see our Kuwait City city briefing.