Kuwait: KPMG in Kuwait successfully concluded the eighth edition of its annual tax conference, “ Talking Tax 2026,” held at the Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait. The event was attended by representatives from companies, ministries, trade councils, embassies, and regulatory bodies, who discussed the rapidly evolving tax landscape in Kuwait.

The event also served as a key platform to support companies in understanding the practical implications of implementing the Local Supplemental Minimum Tax ( DMTT ), effective from January 1, 2025, in addition to reviewing the most important regulatory updates related to compliance, reporting and governance frameworks for 2026 and beyond.

Speaking about the legacy established by the event and its ongoing impact, Dr. Rashid Al-Qenaei, Chairman of the CASA Region at KPMG and Managing Partner of KPMG in Kuwait, said: “We have been holding the “Talking Tax” event for almost a decade, and over the years we have been keen to bring together a select group of leaders and experts from various sectors of the industry to discuss tax issues. Our constant goal is to provide a platform where professional expertise with a shared interest is brought together, fostering constructive professional dialogue and contributing to the establishment of a more cohesive and robust tax system in the State of Kuwait. As the tax environment continues to evolve, the importance of this platform in establishing clarity, strengthening frameworks for cooperation, and building trust increases . ”

The conference began with welcoming remarks from Dr. Rashid Al-Qenaei and Mr. Zubair Patel, Partner and Head of Tax for CASA at KPMG, who affirmed that Kuwait is now in the practical implementation phase of global tax reforms. As the DMTT tax enters its second year, the speakers emphasized the need to improve data quality, develop internal tax controls, and implement a more integrated approach across tax, finance, and technology departments.

Mr. Daniel Kay, Chief Economist at the National Bank of Kuwait, also gave a presentation on the macroeconomic landscape, addressing current trends in the Kuwaiti economy and performance forecasts for key sectors in the coming period.

This was followed by an extensive technical session led by Mr. Fahim Bashir, Partner – Tax and Corporate Services, with support from Mr. Naveen Bohra and Mr. Shashank Choudhary of KPMG in Kuwait. The session included detailed guidance on compliance with the Local Supplementary Minimum Tax (DMTT) and transfer pricing, focusing on key second-year reporting considerations, including data consistency, related-party transactions, and the calculation of the Effective Tax Rate ( ETR ), along with the operational adjustments required by multinational groups to mitigate any unforeseen variables at the end of the financial year.

Mr. Nerses Nersesyan, Partner and Head of Tax and Legal Services at KPMG Armenia and Uzbekistan, also addressed the growing role of technology in tax compliance systems, explaining that automation and structured data governance have become essential elements to ensure the accuracy and auditability of tax data, under new global tax requirements.

The conference featured two panel discussions. The first was moderated by Mr. Zubair Patel, while the second was moderated by Ms. Hanan Tariq, Partner – Tax Practice at KPMG in Kuwait. The speakers presented insights drawn from the practical experience of financial and tax leaders representing prominent Kuwaiti companies and multinational groups. The first session focused on the operational challenges companies face in implementing the DMTT tax , while the second addressed the evolution of the regulatory environment in Kuwait from a tax, legal, and investment perspective, emphasizing how institutions can prepare for future reforms.

A highlight of this year's event was the launch of KPMG's Kuwait Tax Guide 2026, a comprehensive publication in both Arabic and English. This guide aims to support businesses in navigating the previous Kuwaiti tax framework, as well as the new requirements associated with the DMTT tax and its accompanying reforms. It builds upon KPMG's previous tax publications in the Kuwaiti market and underscores the firm's commitment to providing practical and user-friendly professional resources for tax leaders.

In this context, Mr. Zubair Patel said: “This guide aims to combine the previous and new tax frameworks into one easy-to-refer reference, enabling taxpayers to clearly understand their obligations, differentiate between the two systems, and make informed decisions. As the tax system continues to evolve, we are keen to provide companies with a reliable reference that supports accurate compliance and future tax planning.”

The " Talking Tax 2026 " event reaffirmed KPMG's leading role in enriching the tax dialogue in Kuwait by providing businesses with timely and practical insights to keep pace with anticipated changes. The event, which included the participation of stakeholders and experts, offered a comprehensive overview of the convergence of tax, regulatory, and economic policies, and highlighted ways to empower organizations to proactively plan for tax compliance as Kuwait moves towards greater alignment with global tax standards.

To download the tax guide, please visit: kpmg.com/kw

About KPMG in Kuwait

KPMG has been operating in Kuwait for over two decades through its two member firms: KPMG Al-Qenaei & Partners and KPMG Consulting LLC. The firm offers a full range of audit, tax, and advisory services, underpinned by enhanced organizational resilience, operational integration, and continuous investment in core competencies and cutting-edge technologies. KPMG continues to develop a forward-looking and proactive business model, enabling it to address critical challenges and deliver trusted professional insights, advice, and in-depth analysis. KPMG Kuwait employs approximately 250 staff and 10 partners and benefits from KPMG’s global network of member firms operating in 142 countries and territories, allowing it to provide expert support to clients in navigating complexities and navigating tax and legal frameworks across diverse jurisdictions.

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