ABCK-AmCham Kuwait Highlights Strategic Direction at Back to Business 2026
The event marked the start of a new season of programming for AmCham Kuwait and provided participants with the opportunity to reconnect while sharing the Chamber’s direction for the remainder of 2026 and beyond.
Among those in attendance were H.E. Ambassador Hamad Suleiman Mashaan Al-Mashaan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Brigadier General Feras Al-Qattan, Kuwait Air Defense Commander of the Ministry of Defense; H.E. Steven Butler, Chargé d'Affaires of the United States Embassy in Kuwait; Mr. Mohammed Mulla Yaqoub, Deputy Director General for Business Development at KDIPA. Ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, government representatives, international businesses, and AmCham Kuwait members and partners also attended.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Arezou Harraf, Chair of AmCham Kuwait, outlined the Chamber's strategic direction for the next three years, centered on three key pillars: advocacy, industry ecosystems, and strategic access. She emphasized that the Chamber is increasingly focusing on measurable outcomes for members, particularly through stronger engagement with decision-makers, sector-specific advocacy, and more structured access to institutions that shape the business environment in Kuwait.
Dr. Harraf said. "Our initiatives are about creating measurable value. We want everything we do to leave our members with something tangible they can point to: an issue resolved, a partner found, or a door opened."
Dr. Harraf also highlighted AmCham Kuwait's efforts to deepen its relationship with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, with the aim of ensuring that the priorities and experiences of American companies operating in Kuwait are represented in the broader commercial discussions.
She noted continued work toward strategic initiatives with the Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC), aimed at strengthening private-sector feedback channels, sector roundtables, investment promotion, and connections between Kuwait’s petrochemical sector and American technology providers, investors, and strategic partners. The evening also featured remarks by H.E. Steven Butler, Chargé d'Affaires of the United States Embassy in Kuwait, reflecting continued engagement between the U.S. Embassy and the American business community in Kuwait. This was followed by a keynote from Mr. Mohammed Mulla Yaqoub, Deputy Director General for Business Development at KDIPA, who shared insights into Kuwait's investment outlook, competitiveness, and opportunities for international companies looking to invest and expand in the country.
The participation of senior government and diplomatic representatives underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and direct engagement between the private sector, government institutions, and diplomatic partners. For AmCham Kuwait, these relationships are a crucial part of its advocacy work, creating channels for dialogue, enabling private-sector perspectives to be shared with relevant decision-makers, and helping identify opportunities and challenges affecting businesses operating in Kuwait.
AmCham Kuwait recognized the support of its partners: KRH (Gold Sponsor), Prime One Group (Silver Sponsor), IFA International Travel & Tourism (Travel & Tourism Partner), and Hyatt Regency Al Kout (Hotel Partner). Their continued support plays an important role in enabling AmCham Kuwait to deliver programs and initiatives for its members and the wider business community.
Looking ahead, AmCham Kuwait’s Vice Chair of the Board, Mr. Mohammad Al-Ali, highlighted upcoming activities through the remainder of 2026, including Focus Groups, sector roundtables, workshops, and advocacy discussions across sustainable finance, AI, food safety, healthcare, energy, investment, banking and finance, and SME development. These programs form part of the Chamber’s broader effort to provide members with practical opportunities to engage with government institutions and industry stakeholders and one another, while identifying issues that can be addressed through our collective advocacy.
The evening continued with dinner and networking, giving attendees the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, meet new contacts, and engage with Kuwait's business, government, and diplomatic communities. Members were also introduced to networking tools available through AmCham Kuwait's Glue Up platform, including the membership directory, digital business cards, industry-based searches, and direct member-to-member connections.
The reception concluded with a raffle featuring prizes contributed by AmCham Kuwait's partners, including a Junior Suite stay for two with breakfast, Theme Night dining vouchers, and 15,000 World of Hyatt points from Hyatt Regency Al Kout, and a round-trip economy-class ticket to the United States from IFA International Travel & Tourism.
As AmCham Kuwait moves forward with its 2026 program, the Chamber remains focused on strengthening U.S.–Kuwait commercial ties, supporting its members, and creating stronger opportunities for engagement, advocacy, business development, and commercial cooperation.
About AmCham Kuwait: Founded in 1985, AmCham Kuwait is a non-profit organization composed of Fortune 500 corporations, SMEs, and prominent business leaders from both the United States and Kuwait. As a key advocate for American business interests in Kuwait, AmCham Kuwait works to strengthen the commercial and economic ties between the two nations. For more information, please visit www.amchamkuwait.org or follow us on social media @abck1985.