Pray for Kuwait
Kuwait City, the capital
Photo: Zairon, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
About Kuwait
The capital is Kuwait City. People speak Arabic. The largest faith is Islam.
Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.
Prayer briefing for Kuwait
Last updated October 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.
Current events
Kuwait has suffered greatly in the regional war that began in February 2026. Iranian drone and missile attacks struck the airport, oil refineries, ministries, and power and desalination plants, and killed soldiers and civilians, including an 11-year-old girl and an Indian worker. A further attack in June killed one person. With the Strait of Hormuz still largely closed, oil exports have mostly stopped.
We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.
Leadership and politics
Kuwait is a hereditary emirate. The Emir is Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince is Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, and the Prime Minister is Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah. In May 2024 the Emir suspended the elected National Assembly and parts of the constitution for a review of up to four years, and he now governs by decree.
We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.
Economic health
Oil is the main source of national income, so the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has been a heavy blow. The economy shrank about 5% in the first quarter of 2026, and oil output fell sharply in the spring. In October the IMF forecast a fall of about 17% for 2026, with a rebound expected in 2027. Hotels, restaurants and transport have also suffered.
We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.
Social and cultural issues
Kuwaiti citizens are fewer than three in ten residents, and most people are foreign workers from more than 100 countries. Since 2024 the citizenship of many people has been withdrawn, with reports of up to 200,000 affected by late 2025, leaving many families uncertain. The stateless people known as Bidoon have long lived without documents or full access to services.
We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.
Spiritual landscape
About three in four residents are Muslim, mostly Sunni, and Islam is the state religion. About 18% are Christian, in figures from 2013, one of the larger Christian shares in the Gulf. Christians are found mainly among the large foreign communities, alongside Hindus and people of other faiths.
We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.
Religious freedom
Islam is the official religion, following the Maliki school of Sunni Islam. Kuwait does not appear among the 50 countries on the Open Doors 2026 World Watch List. Many people of different faiths live and work side by side, and believers need wisdom and protection as they gather to worship.
We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.
Historical wounds
Kuwait became independent from Britain in 1961. On 2 August 1990 Iraq invaded and occupied the country until it was freed in February 1991. Nearly 1,000 civilians were killed, about 600 people went missing, and the remains of about 375 were later found in Iraq. Retreating forces set oil wells on fire, leaving land and families scarred.
We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.
Let us pray together
Our Father, we come to You together for Kuwait. Protect the people from attack, and comfort every family that has lost a loved one. Give the Emir, the Crown Prince, the Prime Minister and all in authority wisdom, integrity and justice. Provide for every household and every worker in this time of loss, and give honest stewardship of the nation. Protect the stateless and all who are uncertain about their future, and bring peace among the many peoples who live here. Let Your hope and truth be made known, and keep every believer safe and free to worship. Heal the old wounds of invasion and loss, and lead Kuwait in forgiveness and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sources
More ways to pray
PrayerCast shares short prayer videos for the nations. Watch its video for Kuwait and pray along.
Watch the PrayerCast video for Kuwait
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