Decree-Law No. 76 of 2026 Rewrites Kuwait's Camera Retention Rule and Opens a Conciliation Route

Decree-Law No. 76 of 2026, amending Law No. 61 of 2015 on the regulation and installation of security surveillance cameras and devices, was issued on 27 July 2026 and published in Kuwait Al-Youm, Supplement to Issue 1801, dated 29 July 2026. Article Three brings it into force from the date of publication.

Article One replaces Article 5. Establishments in scope must retain camera recordings for not less than 120 consecutive days, with no amendment, erasure, deletion or processing during that period. After the 120 days, an establishment may adopt its own retention schedule, proportionate to the nature of its activity and the size of its premises, provided it does not conflict with the security or regulatory requirements set by the competent authority.

The figure has not moved, but the duty attached to it has. The repealed text required destruction immediately on expiry, so retention past day 120 was itself an offence under Article 12, carrying up to three years' imprisonment and a fine of KD 2,000 to KD 10,000. Mandatory destruction is gone.

Article Two inserts Articles 8 bis and 8 bis 1. An establishment recorded in breach of Articles 2, 4, 5 or 7 may apply for conciliation within seven working days of notification of the seizure report. If the competent authority accepts, it has up to 30 days to rectify the breach and pays a settlement sum: KD 1,000 for Article 5, KD 500 for Articles 2 and 7, KD 250 for Article 4. Completed conciliation extinguishes the criminal action. Articles 6 and 9 are excluded, and the Minister is to set the procedures by decision.

WEFAQ's view: the pressing item is not the 120-day floor, which compliant establishments already meet, but the retention policy the amendment now permits above it. Every extra day of footage retained is another day of discoverable evidence and of disclosure exposure under Article 6.

Read more: for the full analysis, read our companion blog article: “Kuwait's Camera Law After Decree-Law No. 76: Mandatory Destruction Ends and a Retention Policy Begins”.

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Source: Decree-Law No. 76 of 2026 amending certain provisions of Law No. 61 of 2015 concerning the regulation and installation of security surveillance cameras and devices, and its Explanatory Memorandum, Kuwait Al-Youm, Supplement to Issue 1801, 29 July 2026; Law No. 61 of 2015, Articles 1, 5, 6, 9 and 11 to 14, Ministry of Interior, General Department of Security Systems.

This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your circumstances, please contact WEFAQ Law Firm.