Arab News
Kuwait times, Sat, Aug 09, 2025 | Safar 15, 1447
Kuwait Justice Ministry to fully digitize services soon
Kuwait:
Kuwait’s Ministry of Justice is moving full steam ahead with plans to digitize
all its services in the near future, according to Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the newly opened Justice Palace, Al-Sumait
told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that, “The ministry is now in the final
stages of issuing legislation that will grant us the legal authority to fully
transition to an electronic system.”
The goal, he said, is to simplify legal
procedures, improve the business environment, and provide streamlined judicial
services that meet the expectations of both citizens and residents.
The digital transformation will roll out gradually
and focus on three main areas: filing and registering cases (including
announcements and fee payments), improving court procedures to reduce delays,
and — most critically — ensuring smooth implementation of rulings. Al-Sumait
added that the ministry has government contracts with global tech leaders Google
and Microsoft to support the shift, describing them as “among the most advanced
companies in terms of systems.”
His tour of the Justice Palace, which included
ministry leaders and officials, was aimed at identifying obstacles facing both
court users and staff. “We are keen to resolve all challenges and issues facing
citizens, protect their rights, and ensure that all services and transactions
are completed easily and efficiently,” he said.
Al-Sumait also stressed that the ministry is
following the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber
Al-Sabah to speed up legal processes and ensure people can access their rights
quickly. “The visit is part of the ministry’s approach to reinforce accessible
justice, enhance performance, and simplify procedures,” he said, urging
continued efforts to reach the highest standards of quality and institutional
excellence.
The new Justice Palace, inaugurated in February,
has been praised as an architectural landmark and one of the largest judicial
complexes in the Middle East. The twin-towered structure covers roughly 400,000
square meters and houses nearly 70 courtrooms. It has earned multiple regional
and international awards, including “Project of the Year” at the 2024 MEED
Awards.
Despite the building’s scale and ambition, some
court users have noted areas for improvement in the daily experience. Media
reports, including from Al-Seyassah newspaper, have pointed to issues such as
crowding in elevators, limited parking capacity, and delays in processing
services — especially during peak hours. The digital services that do exist,
they said, are still underdeveloped, often forcing them to visit the building
multiple times to complete basic procedures. Lawyers and court visitors
interviewed in those reports have suggested expanding digital services, better
organizing court schedules, and improving building access to make visits more
efficient and less time-consuming.